Winter’s favourite bloom is here to rule the Navi Mumbai markets

NAVI MUMBAI: Tradition states that if the poinsettias arrive, winter is here. However, the unseasonal rains last week might have dampened some of the crop but the cherry red trees have started selling well in Navi Mumbai.
Although it’s generally red, there are varieties of white, pale and dark pink too that are being developed now. The new colours with the double petals make for an unusual buy.The plants don’t come cheap but the flowers stay till the new year.
Synonymous with Christmas, florists make it a point that the poinsettia plant if cared for well, they bloom every year during this season. “The trees grow fast but sometimes get spoilt during heavy rains. They grow tall and flower every year during this time,” said flower seller Vikas Kumar.
Although new colours also now available, sellers still vouch for the red ones. The plants usually come in from Pune, Nashik, Bangalore and farms in Alibaug. Unlike Christmas trees which are available throughout the year, these plants are sold only during this season.
The smaller varieties are available at Rs 200 upwards while the larger ones are priced at around Rs 500. “Ideally they should be planted in the ground for better growth,” said an attendant at a mall.
“The trick is to cut off the dead leaves and flowers and add manure periodically. Most customers buy these flowers for the festival but don’t bother to care for them afterwards,” said another seller Ramdeo Sathe. These plants don’t need much water and during the rains it could be brought indoors.