Rocket Farms, Ecke Ranch partner to offer poinsettia certification program

Wholesale plant grower Rocket Farms and poinsettia breeder and propagator Paul Ecke Ranch are offering a comprehensive training program to teach growers how to produce quality poinsettias. There are currently 10 Rocket Farms employees, all from California, in the program. The program is a combination of classroom and greenhouse practical experience. It began June 3 and will continue through mid-November.

Topics covered in the program include variety selection, propagation and direct stick, irrigation, fertilization, lighting, height management, disease/insect control, black cloth management and other methods to increase plant quality. The techniques apply to plants throughout the production cycle. Upon completion of the established metrics for training and material comprehension, participants receive a certificate for completing the program.

The program is being offered at the Ecke Ranch in Encinitas, Calif., and at the Rocket Farms’ facility in Salinas, Calif.