Overwintering a Garden Poinsettia

A poinsettia planted in the ground won't survive freezing temperatures. The best way to keep it year-round is to grow it in a 14-inch clay pot plunged into the garden after the last spring frost. Water when wilted, fertilize monthly, and lift the pot indoors by October.

To trigger colorful bracts for Christmas, give the plant 10 hours of bright light and 14 hours of total darkness daily from October 1 through mid-November.