Bunnings' Unexpected Christmas Best-Seller: The Poinsettia
When you think of Christmas shopping at Bunnings, what comes to mind? Perhaps swing sets, trampolines, or BBQ accessories. But there's a surprising item that consistently flies off the shelves: the humble $10 potted flowering plant, known as a poinsettia. Every year, Bunnings sells approximately 21 B-double truckloads of these small red-leafed plants across NSW, South Australia, and Victoria during November and December, with demand rising steadily.
The poinsettia, a plant with a rich history in Mexico, has become a global symbol of Christmas. Its story began with a young girl who wished to bring a gift to her Christmas Eve church service but lacked the funds. She picked roadside weeds, which miraculously transformed into vibrant red flowers when laid at the altar. This legend, combined with the plant's winter blooming period, has made the poinsettia a beloved part of festive traditions worldwide.
In Australia, the climate poses a unique challenge. Poinsettias typically bloom in winter, making it a complex task to ensure truckloads of these vibrant red plants are ready for the Christmas season. This is where dedicated professionals like Simon Sheldon-Collins, the general manager of Brooks Nursery, come in. Brooks Nursery, a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience, specializes in growing specialist crops for occasions like Christmas and Mother's Day.
Sheldon-Collins and his small team of six nursery staff manage two sites near Monbulk, Victoria, covering 17,000 square meters of fully automatic greenhouses. Growing poinsettias for Christmas requires meticulous planning, starting from growing mother stock and delivering small plugs for potting mid-June through mid-August to meet delivery deadlines. The process involves numerous suppliers, from biological services to soil providers, all working together to create the final product.
Bunnings, one of Brooks Nursery's major customers, also has its own dedicated Greenlife facilities and services to support distribution. These facilities are crucial during peak seasons, enabling the retail giant to distribute products across Victoria, NSW, and SA. Without these resources, Bunnings would struggle to meet the high demand for poinsettias.
The nursery grows approximately 250,000 pots of poinsettias annually, ranging from 125mm to 190mm in size. To achieve this volume, they require 350,000 small plants, a significant undertaking. Sheldon-Collins credits his team's dedication and expertise, stating, 'We are a small team that leaves a big impact with our product, and we are proud of our stock.'
For those considering purchasing a poinsettia, whether for themselves or as a gift, there are a few essential care tips. These plants thrive with sparse watering, allowing the soil to drain completely between waterings. They are best suited as houseplants, away from direct sunlight and wind, but can also be placed outdoors in covered, protected areas. With proper care, the vibrant red color on the leaves can last up to six months, ensuring enjoyment long after the holiday season.
This article highlights the fascinating journey of the poinsettia, from its humble beginnings in Mexico to its status as a beloved Christmas plant worldwide, and the dedicated efforts of professionals like Sheldon-Collins to make it available to Aussies during the festive season.
