Meet TheGrowers
Bell's Brother Nurseries
We love working with the best local growers, and when it comes to stunning poinsettias, our go-to is Bell's Brothers Nurseries! Ever wondered where those gorgeous festive blooms come from? Well, they’re grown right here in the UK by the Bell family, who’ve been perfecting their poinsettia game for generations.
Located in Lincolnshire’s sunny sweet spot, Bell's is a true gem. They’re masters of their craft and a market leader in fabulous bedding and flowering pot plants. So when you unwrap one of our poinsettias, know it’s been nurtured with love and care!
Family Roots & Modern Growth
Bell's Brothers Nurseries, a family-owned business managed by the Bell family, has grown to become a major supplier of poinsettias, with a wide reach into supermarkets. After laying a strong foundation, Bernard and Margret have retired, leaving the business to thrive under the expertise of their dedicated team. The nursery spans 28 acres and cultivates over 100,000 poinsettias annually in two glasshouses. Their dedicated staff, including 50 full-time workers and 200 seasonal agency hires, play a crucial role, especially during peak seasons.
Bernard and Margret who would have originally started the business are retired
Cultivating Vibrant Colours & Varieties
Bells’ poinsettias, renowned for their vibrancy and quality, come in a stunning array of colors. Popular choices include "Robyn" and "Astro," the top-selling varieties, along with the delicate pink Princettia and pristine white Princettia Pearl.
The nursery takes a hands-on approach to cultivation. Each poinsettia is carefully potted by hand, monitored closely for optimal growth, and nurtured with specialized care. Watering is done from the base to prevent overwatering, while early pinching helps limit flowering heads and encourage healthier plants.
Ideal greenhouse conditions, maintained at 24°C to 26°C, are achieved through automated venting and a biomass woodchip boiler. These practices allow the poinsettias to thrive naturally, eliminating the need for blacking out plants to force blooming.
How To Care For Your Potted Poinsettia
Here are Luke's top tips on how to care for your poinsettia plants:
- Water your potted poinsettia every other day. It’s important to ensure the soil is slightly moist but not soggy.
- Always water the pot rather than applying water directly onto the leaves. This helps prevent water from pooling on the leaves, which can lead to rot and fungal diseases.
- Ensure your pot has drainage holes. After watering, allow any excess water to drain completely to keep the roots healthy. If the pot collects water at the bottom, empty it to avoid overwatering.
- Place your poinsettia in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
- Rotate the pot occasionally to promote even growth, as plants tend to lean towards their light source.
- Avoid cold drafts, sudden temperature changes, and placing the plant near heating vents.
- Regularly check the lower leaves of your poinsettia, as they may naturally yellow and drop off if the plant is stressed.
- Poinsettias produce a white, milky sap when damaged. This sap can be irritating and is considered mildly toxic. It’s essential to wash off any sap immediately to avoid skin irritation or accidental ingestion.
- Be cautious when handling your poinsettia. If you need to prune or repot, consider wearing gloves to protect your skin from the toxic sap.
Engaging The Community & Expanding Offerings
Beyond poinsettias, Bell's actively engages the community through seasonal events. Their popular pumpkin patch drew an impressive 30,000 visitors in just 11 days last year, with notable guests like Paris Fury attending.
The nursery also excels in rose breeding, including miniature roses, which are a favorite of Luke. Their dedication to quality and innovation is evident in ongoing trials for new poinsettia varieties.
Bell's Plant Nursery is a cornerstone in horticulture, offering beautifully grown plants and festive handcrafted wreaths. Their teams aim to create 14 wreaths per hour, ensuring they're ready just in time for the holiday season.
We are delighted to collaborate with Bell's Plant Nursery, whose commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability aligns perfectly with our own values. Their expert care and hands-on approach to growing poinsettias ensure that we can offer you the freshest, most vibrant plants, full of festive cheer.
Next time you choose one of our poinsettias, remember that it may well have been nurtured by the skilled team at Bell's Plant Nursery.