Science is everywhere—even in our holiday plants 🌱🌟

Poinsettias take a lot of work to get to the vibrant red we’re so familiar with and love! 😍 Up until the 1920s when researchers, Garner and Allard, discovered that some plants flower in response to day length (aka photoperiodism), poinsettias were a novelty.

While there are many color varieties, the red ones always stand out—thanks to the magical role of anthocyanins! 🌸 These pigments give the bracts their rich hue, but only when the plant gets the right amount of darkness during short days. So, every time you admire a poinsettia, remember: it's all about the perfect photoperiod! 🌞🌙

Thanks Andreea for teaching us about poinsettias!