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Festive poinsettias grown in West Pinchbeck will be heading out to supermarkets after farmer’s successful trial




A farming family will be serving supermarkets with poinsettias this Christmas – after a successful trial of growing the seasonal favourite.

James Cole, who runs the family business EM Cole Farms in Small Drove Lane, West Pinchbeck, is looking forward to his products brightening up homes.

The species of the festive plant – which can come in a variety of colours including red, white, pink – is indigenous to Mexico and home-grown plants in the UK are in high demand.

Poinsettias at EM Cole Farms. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
Poinsettias at EM Cole Farms. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

The company founded by Eric Cole in 1927, then run by Ivor Cole for many years as the family keeps up its tradition.

Mr Cole said: "This is our now second year of growing poinsettias”

The festive plant is a popular choice at Christmas
The festive plant is a popular choice at Christmas

“We start planting towards the end of July, and they are quite a long time in the glasshouse before the sales start.

“They like heat as they hail from Mexico, and were originally cultivated into the plant we know today in California.

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“That is the climate we are trying to try to replicate in the nursery.

The red plant is a festive flower
The red plant is a festive flower

“Poinsettias really thrive in a warm environment and so are grown in a greenhouse at a minimum of 16 degrees and they do not like to go below 14 degrees.

“They prefer dry growing conditions and really do not like to be overwatered”

The benefits of growing them in the UK is to avoid having to import from abroad and also lowering the risk of bringing in white fly – plus UK grown plants will give a longer life to the customer.

Poinsettias in the farm are potted and wrapped
Poinsettias in the farm are potted and wrapped

Mr Cole said: "The first trial was semi-successful but we don't like to be beaten so we thought we'd have another go this season.

“UK-grown poinsettias are gaining popularity with retailers and wholesale customers and are quite sought after again.

“Like a tree or a wreath on the door - it is very much seen as a part of Christmas."

EM Cole Farms start the process in the summer
EM Cole Farms start the process in the summer

The farm uses a biomass heat source fuelled by wooden pellets in order to reduce the carbon footprint with low Co2 emissions.

Mr Cole, who studied horticulture for three years and has been growing plants all his life, added: "This year’s crop is predominantly red.

“We had some white, lime and pink poinsettias on trial , these were quickly snapped up by customers.

The plants are on sale to supermarkets and wholesalers
The plants are on sale to supermarkets and wholesalers

“Colours come in and out of fashion and the white ones were particularly stunning."

The four-and-a-half-month crop is grown in 50% peat and 50% peat-free compost from a cutting.

Mr Cole's son Alex has joined the family business, and will continue as a fourth generation grower.

Visit EM Cole Farms LTD on Facebook and Instagram for further details.

Are you a local business with a story to tell? Email news@lincsonline.co.uk



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