Dana:

Penn State (one of the top three hort schools in this country) puts out probably the best general cutlutral guide and growing schedule I've seen on poinsettias. Take a look at it.

Joe

Here is a link that might be useful: Penn State's Poinsettia sheet

Poinsettias are easier to grow now than they were a couple decades ago when I first started growing them, but they aren't a good crop for a novice. You need to consider several things before you tear into them for profit. The primary issues is if you can make profit on them in your area. Check out what prices they are bringing and who will be your competition. Do you plan on retailing them or wholesaling them.

Do you have a handle on pest control? Points are whitefly magnets.

Do you even know what varieties are recommended for your latitude? They are photoperiodic plants and some of them I grow would be totally wrong for your area.

The cuttings are not cheap, and even a little shrinkage can drop you into a negative profit situation. If you have access to a short course on poinsettia production, like at a trade show, take it before you commit to trying them. Or, you may want to look into pre-finished poinsettias until you get the hang of it.

Thanks for the great info!! Dana