Mississippi State University’s South Mississippi Branch Experiment Station began hosting a Poinsettia Open House in 2021. The goal of this event was to provide retail consumers and commercial producers with up-to-date information about poinsettias currently available for production. The first two events were single day events in early December (December 2, 2021 and December 1, 2022). Due to the success of the first two events, a decision was made to expand the event to two days in 2023 (December 1-2, 2023) and include educational presentations. Photography backdrops with poinsettia enhancements have been provided each year for anyone wishing to use them for Christmas card photos or to simply commemorate their visit. Attendees were given the opportunity to participate in several surveys at each open house. Participants completing a survey were allowed to choose and take home a poinsettia. Attendees were allowed to walk through the production greenhouse, view the poinsettia cultivars, and record their personal favorites. Participants viewed 35, 52, and 40 poinsettia cultivars in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. In 2021, attendees identified Ice Punch, Orange Glow, Premium Ice Crystal, Superba New Glitter, and Autumn Leaves as their top five favorites. In 2022, attendees identified Superba New Glitter, Ice Punch, Norwin Orange, Prestige Maroon, and Grande Italia as their top five. In 2023, attendees identified J’Adore Soft Pink, Premium Picasso, Christmas Feelings Merlot, Christmas Spirit, and Tapestry as their top five.
