Unveiling the Unexpected Christmas Best-Seller: The Poinsettia's Surprising Demand
When it comes to holiday shopping at Bunnings, the usual suspects are swing sets, trampolines, and BBQ accessories. But there's a hidden gem that consistently flies off the shelves during the festive season: the humble poinsettia. This unassuming $10 potted flowering plant has become a Christmas staple, with Bunnings selling a staggering 21 B-double truckloads across NSW, South Australia, and Victoria over November and December each year. And the demand keeps rising.
The poinsettia, with its vibrant red leaves, has a rich history dating back to Mexico, where it's known as La Flor de Nochebuena, the Flower of Christmas Eve. A popular legend tells of a young girl who wished to bring a gift to her Christmas Eve church service but lacked the funds. Instead, she picked some roadside weeds, which transformed into brilliant red flowers when laid at the altar. Over time, this plant became synonymous with Christmas worldwide.
In Australia, despite its popularity, growing poinsettias for the Christmas season is no easy feat due to our climate. Brooks Nursery, a dedicated supplier, plays a crucial role in making this possible. With a team of six, they manage two sites near Monbulk, Victoria, featuring 17,000 square meters of fully automatic greenhouses. General manager Simon Sheldon-Collins reveals that growing poinsettias for Christmas requires a full 12 months of planning, from growing mother stock to delivering small plugs for potting mid-June through mid-August.
Bunnings, one of Brooks Nursery's major customers, also has its own Greenlife facilities and services to ensure efficient distribution. Without these, they couldn't handle the volume of product needed. Each year, the nursery grows approximately 250,000 pots of poinsettias, ranging from 125mm to 190mm, requiring 350,000 small plants to meet production goals. It's a massive undertaking, made possible by the dedicated team.
If you're considering buying a poinsettia this year, here are some tips. They are low-maintenance, needing only occasional watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Place them away from direct sunlight and wind, but they can also thrive outdoors in covered, protected areas. With proper care, the red color on the leaves can last up to six months, making them a long-lasting Christmas decoration.
So, the next time you're at Bunnings during the festive season, don't overlook the poinsettia. It's not just a plant; it's a piece of Christmas history, brought to life by dedicated growers and suppliers.
