Santa Fe Nurseries Showcase Vibrant Poinsettias This Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, nurseries in Santa Fe are showcasing their vibrant collections of poinsettias, creating a festive atmosphere that brightens the chilly winter months. At Newman’s Nursery, owner Malcom Newman reports that his greenhouse is home to approximately 5,000 blooming plants in hues of red, pink, and white, providing a colorful contrast to the green foliage around them. “It’s just such a cold time of year, and that bright red feels like Christmas,” Newman expressed, highlighting the emotional connection many have with these festive plants.

Newman’s Nursery, established by his parents in the 1970s, has cultivated a loyal customer base over decades. Each year, about 25% to 30% of the poinsettias are preordered, reflecting the strong demand for these seasonal favorites. Despite the nursery’s success, Newman acknowledges the challenges posed by changing market conditions. “It’s a challenging crop,” he noted, explaining that the timing of growth must be precise for optimal sales. If the plants are too green or turn red prematurely, they may not sell as intended.

Competition from big-box retailers adds further pressure on local nurseries. These stores can import poinsettias at lower prices, making it vital for smaller growers to offer superior quality plants. “To compete with them, you have to have a really premium plant that just looks a lot better,” Newman stated.

While many poinsettias are often discarded after the holiday season, Newman encourages customers to consider them as perennial plants. With proper care, they can bloom year after year. He suggests repotting the plants into larger containers filled with quality soil during the summer and emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted darkness at night to maintain their color-changing capabilities. “Two minutes will set it back quite a bit,” he cautioned.

Just a few miles north at Payne’s Nurseries, manager Maria Delgado has observed a heightened sense of urgency among customers eager to purchase holiday plants. Several tables that once displayed poinsettias are now empty, indicating the popularity of these festive items. In a back room, tables filled with poinsettias are labeled for various churches that have preordered their stock. Approximately one-third of the 1,200 poinsettias grown at Payne’s will go to around a dozen local churches.

This year, Payne’s has opted for a traditional color palette, focusing on red and white varieties. The nursery has recently relocated their poinsettia crop from their St. Michael’s location to the new site on Camino Alire, which added logistical challenges to the growing process. “It was such a beautiful experience,” Delgado said of watching the plants develop from tiny sprouts into full blooms. The staff has taken the opportunity to learn more about soil, fungicide, and watering preferences, ensuring they can cultivate the best quality plants.

Delgado enjoys observing the joy customers experience while taking in the vibrant colors during the winter months, even if they leave without making a purchase. “This is our little red paradise for these months,” she shared, capturing the essence of the festive spirit that nurseries like Payne’s and Newman’s bring to the community.

As the holiday season continues, Santa Fe’s nurseries remain a vital part of the local landscape, fostering traditions and creating cheerful spaces for residents and visitors alike.