County Agent, Orleans Parish of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service of the LSU Agricultural Center. Horticulture Hints for December 1. Poinsettias are available from mid-November through December with bract colors ranging from red to white, marble, pink and combinations of these colors. In New Orleans, you can plant poinsettias outside in the spring once the danger of frost has passed. Cut the plant back halfway and select a sunny, well- drained location that is isolated from north winds and frost pockets.
Poinsettias placed on the south side of the house usually do well.
To encourage bloom and development of foliage color outdoors, do not pinch back poinsettias after late August or early September. Our mission is to initiate and promote ecologically sound economic development in the Greater New Orleans region.