We know that the fruits, vegetables, and meats found at the DCFM are a cut above what you can find at your large grocery or big box stores. Did you know the same holds true for plants? That's the word from John Shockley who with his wife Suzanne owns Indian Trail Greenhouses, located in Cross Plains, WI.

When we spoke with John at last week's market he expected his poinsettias to begin flowering this week or next. "They're going to stay in bloom, more than likely, through Christmas," he says. "The only way they're not going to stay in bloom is if someone keeps their house at 80 degrees. If you've got a normal house, 60 to 70 degrees, they're going to be fine."

John believes there's a definite difference between what he and many local florists sell and what is available at chain and big box stores. He says. "You get what you pay for. When you buy cheap you're getting cheap."

When it comes to poinsettias, John should know. He's been in the flower business for the past 40 years. Speaking of the DCFM, John notes that the couple, "Loves selling at this market. We've been selling at the Dane County Farmers' Market for 25 years." The Shockley's have been selling at the Monona Terrace market since its inception and are a familiar sight when the market moves to the Madison Senior Center in January. "It's a nice group of people there," he says. "They have the breakfast and it's just wonderful."

Right now the poinsettias available from the Shockley's at the DCFM are just starting or almost ready to bloom. With the proper care, John says they'll bloom well through Christmas.

"The cooler you keep your house the longer they'll bloom," he explains. "It's best to keep them between 60 and 65 degrees. And you have to watch your watering. Let them get on the dry side before watering. When you water, soak them. Don't put yourself on a schedule. If you put yourself on a schedule and they don't dry out you can kill them. Stick your finger into the dirt. If it comes out dry you're fine. If it comes out with mud then don't water.

"They need to have a fair amount of light. A lot of indoor plants just need enough light to read by. But poinsettias should have a little more than that."

Obviously John and Suzanne bring far more than poinsettias throughout the year. "Right now we just have the miniatures but we'll get into the standards with the bigger flowers, bigger plants, bigger pots. We will have tulips, primrose and our lettuce in 4-1/2" pots that you just peel off."

So while now is the time to get your poinsettias, John says to not hesitate to call them to see what they're bringing to market. One thing you can be sure of. The quality will be there.

For More Information:
Indian Trails Greenhouses
608-798-3030
greenhouse@tds.net