At some point in daily, life we all know ‘a guy’ that can help us with our cars, our dishwashers or our yard.
At this time of year, when one plant, the poinsettia, takes the spotlight in homes, churches, and holiday displays, Bachman’s has ‘Gotta Guy.’
With its vibrant red bracts (those colorful leaves that look like petals), it’s a holiday must-have.
But have you ever thought about how these festive beauties make their way from the greenhouse to your living room?
I stopped by Bachman’s greenhouses in Lakeville, Minnesota, where 65,000 poinsettias are grown, pampered, and, in a few cases, transformed into dazzling works of art.
Leading this poinsettia magic, from planting in the spring to shipping it out, is Brad Meyer. Brad is Bachman’s Lead Grower and has been with the company for 13 years. He walked me through the final fantasy painting process, sharing how his role combines horticulture with a flair for creativity.
“I’m about to paint a fantasy blue poinsettia for you,” Brad said as he grabbed his supplies. He explained he uses a special blue concentrate mixed with 100% alcohol in a spray bottle to hand paint the bracts.
“The alcohol doesn’t hurt the leaves as long as the bracts are mature enough. But if they’re still immature, it can burn them,” he explained.
To get the plants ready for painting, Brad starts a “blackout” process as early as September 1st.
“I block their daylight hours to kick-start flowering. By the time I’m painting them, the bracts are strong enough to handle the process,” he said.
Brad also experiments with colors, creating custom blends like burgundy with a touch of gold glitter—a personal favorite.
“It’s not as bright as some others. It’s more on the classy side,” he noted. He even uses different poinsettia varieties to achieve unique effects.
“The base color of the plant changes how the final product looks,” he added.
Brad’s journey to becoming Bachman’s poinsettia expert wasn’t straightforward. After 30 years in drywall and taping, he decided to pursue his love of plants—a passion that began on his family’s Iowa farm.
At first, Brad didn’t get hired at Bachman’s because he lacked formal training. Undeterred, he took horticulture classes, completed the Master Gardener program, and eventually landed a job as an assistant grower. Over time, he worked his way up to his current role.
“It’s what my mom always said I was meant to do,” he reflected with a smile.
Beyond the artistry at Bachman’s, the poinsettia has a fascinating history.
Native to Mexico and Central America, it was called Cuetlaxochitl by the Aztecs, who saw its deep red bracts as a symbol of new life for fallen warriors.
Its sap was used to treat fevers, and its red leaves were turned into dye. In the wild, poinsettias could grow over 10 feet tall and bloom briefly in winter.
The plant made its way to the U.S. thanks to Joel Roberts Poinsett, a U.S. ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist. By the 1920s, California’s Ecke family popularized it as a holiday staple.
Here in Minnesota, Bachman’s started growing poinsettias in 1931 and now annually produces 65,000 plants in 30 varieties.
While red is still the top choice, making up 65-70% of sales at Bachman’s, white, pink, salmon, and marbled varieties have their fans. And then there are the “fantasy” poinsettias, like the ones Brad creates with spray-on dyes and glitter. They’re especially popular early in the season.
Despite common misconceptions, poinsettias are not toxic to people or pets. Their sap can cause mild skin irritation, but they’re generally safe to have around the house.
From their Aztec roots to their modern-day sparkle, poinsettias bring together tradition, creativity, and the hard work of people like Brad Meyer.
Whether you go for a classic red or a bold blue fantasy poinsettia, these plants continue to brighten homes and hearts every holiday season.
So, do you have poinsettias in your home? Do you prefer the traditional look or the glittery “fantasy” varieties?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—as we continue to Bloom Together Through Every Season!
Diana
P.S. - Save the date. I’m organizing a floral art tour at the Minneapolis Institute of Art on February 11th at 11am. It is being led by Julie Holland, one of the expert docents at the MIA. It’s going to be warm, it’s going to be fun, it’s just before Valentine’s Day. We have 20 spots available. Email me back if you would like to attend.
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