Does Headstart Nursery sell direct to the public?
Headstart Nursery is a wholesale nursery. Most of our customers are commercial growers and farmers who buy plugs and transplants in very large volumes. However, we do sell poinsettias direct to the general public.

What kinds of plants does Headstart Nursery grow?
Headstart Nursery is a plant propagator; we grow vegetable transplants and ornamental plugs and liners for commercial growers. We do not finish crops (except for poinsettias during the holiday season).

Does Headstart Nursery have any extra plants available?
Yes. Although our vegetable transplant orders are generally custom sown, we often have extra plants available. Please contact us to check our current inventory of extra plants.

Are Headstart Nursery vegetable transplants available outside of California?
Yes. We regularly provide plants to growers in Arizona, Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, and Nevada. Boxed plants can also be shipped to other parts of the country.

Does Headstart Nursery have a GAP or Food Safety Program?
Yes. With the ever-increasing spotlight on food safety issues, we feel it is important to supply our customers with a continuous food safety production "chain". Headstart has worked with NSF/Davis Fresh Technologies to design a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program hybridized for nursery production. This program covers all facets of our operations, from production inputs to employee hygiene to facility security. Though extensive in its set-up and maintenance, we believe this program to be of value to our customers and see this as a necessity for all growers in the future.

Can I buy seed directly from Headstart Nursery?
No. Although Headstart Nursery can supply seed and plants together, we do not sell seed directly to our customers. We direct all sales inquiries to our sister company, T&C Supplies. Please call 408-848-2448 for more information.

Does Headstart Nursery have a minimum order requirement?
At Headstart Nursery, we accommodate all size orders, from just one tray to more than 1 million plants. Please see our ordering page for more specific information about small-volume and trial orders.

What tray and cell sizes does Headstart offer?
For a complete listing of tray sizes and cell dimensions, see our Tray Specifications.

Where do I find pricing information?
For current Headstart Nursery ornamental plug and liner pricing, please contact your broker or local sales representative.

Can I get weekly Availability reports?
Yes, we'd be happy to add you to our e-mail distribution list. Just send us an e-mail with your name, company name, phone number, and e-mail address.

Can I order plants direct from Headstart Nursery?
For ornamental plugs and liners, Headstart Nursery highly recommends that our customers purchase plants through our network of qualified seed and plant brokers. This network has been established to provide you with the most experienced and best-educated service professionals in your area. If you are unable to find a broker in your area, please contact us.

Does Headstart Nursery grow organic plugs?
Yes, as long as we can find a supplier of untreated seed for the varieties you want. Headstart Nursery is certified by the CCOF and has many greenhouses devoted solely to organic production. Please contact us to customize an organic program.

Can I purchase seed direct from Headstart Nursery?
No. Headstart Nursery does not sell seed directly to our customers. Please see our list of seed and unrooted cutting suppliers.

Can I supply my own seed?
Yes, we do occasionally work with ornamental customers who supply their own seed. However, there are certain terms and conditions that must be met, and we offer no guarantee on germination rates. Please contact us for more information.

Do you sell plants for fundraisers?
Headstart Nursery does offer a fundraiser discount on poinsettias during the Christmas season to local schools and non-profit organizations.

What tray and cell sizes does Headstart offer?
For a complete listing of tray sizes and cell dimensions, see our Tray Specifications.

Are poinsettias poisonous?
No. Despite the rumors, poinsettias are not poisonous to humans or to animals. While they are not meant to be eaten and may cause stomach upset if ingested, they do not contain any dangerous toxins. Numerous scientific studies have concluded that poinsettias are safe around children and pets. Some people who are allergic to latex may experience a mild rash or irritation if exposed to the milky fluid found in cut poinsettias and other plants.

Will my poinsettia bloom again next year?
Getting your poinsettia to re-color next winter is a tricky, demanding process best left to professional greenhouse growers. However, it can be done by home gardeners with a lot of patience and dedication. See our tips on Re-Blooming.

Do you sell different colors of poinsettias?
No. Although in the past we have grown different colors (including pink, white, and polka-dot), we have found that the classic dark red poinsettia is always most popular, so that is all we currently grow.

What are bracts?
The red-colored leaves of the poinsettia are not really flowers; the correct term is "bracts" (modified leaves). The actual flowers are the small yellow buds in the center of each colored bract.

Can poinsettias be used as cut flowers?
Poinsettias can be cut and used in floral arrangements, but the stems must be sealed. Cut the "blooms," leaving at least 4 inches of stem. Immediately seal the cut by placing it in boiling water or holding it over a flame for 15 seconds. Sealing the stem prevents the milky sap from oozing out, which keeps the colored bracts from wilting. Cut poinsettias should last about a week or so.

What is the history of the poinsettia?
The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is native to the tropical highlands of Central America. The ancient Aztecs used the colorful bracts to make dye and used the milky white sap (latex) to treat fevers. Starting in 16th century Mexico, a legend was told of a young girl who was too poor to provide a gift for the Christ child at Christmas Eve services. She picked a humble bunch of weeds, which burst into vibrant red bloom as she lay the bouquet at the nativity scene. Ever since, the plant has been associated with the Christmas holidays.

Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, "discovered" the plant that now bears his name in Southern Mexico in 1828. He was entranced by the plant's vivid red color and brought plants back to his own hothouses in South Carolina. He began propagating the plants, sharing them with friends and botanical gardens.

Starting in the early 1900s, the Ecke family of Encinitas, California, became one of the first commercial growers of poinsettias, and later generations played an important role in marketing them as "Christmas" plants. The Paul Ecke Ranch is still one of the world's largest poinsettia breeders. All Headstart Nursery poinsettias start as Ecke Ranch cuttings.