Several days ago I was asked for a recipe to get the perfect poinsettia. I had a wonderful answer immediately. Go to the greenhouse or garden center and buy a nice one. After the holidays throw it away. Repeat the process next year. End of column.

But since I have more space to fill I will continue. Poinsettias are a favorite of a number of insects, especially whiteflies. Select a plant with dark green leaves and inspect for insects. Look under the leaves, too.

Poinsettias do not like it too cold, too hot, too dry or too wet. Your purchase should never be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees without protection. That includes the quick trip from the greenhouse to the car and then from the car to the house.

Do not place in a windowsill to avoid temperature extremes. The foil that usually comes along often interferes with the pot drainage. I use the weight test. If it is real light I water a bit. Otherwise I wait.

If you are one of the brave ones and wish to keep a poinsettia for the next season, I offer five tips, stolen, but in my words, from a Penn State fact sheet.

In March or early April cut the plant back to four to eight inches. Increase the water and use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks. A balanced fertilizer would have equal amounts of each element, like 10-10-10.

When the nighttime temperatures are above 55, set the plant outside. Do not plant in the ground. I don't know why, but my questioner did, and his died immediately after repotting.

As the temperatures cool bring it inside. Do not over-water. The breeding stock of today's poinsettias is native to dry climates.

Beginning on October 1 the plant needs long nights with 14 hours of darkness. Put it in a closet or under a box for the necessary hours each day. The rest of the time, keep it in bright light. Those that know claim that even a short interruption in the dark cycle will mess up the process. Don't peek.

In early December examine your results. Then go to the greenhouse and buy one for the living room. Put the one you raised in the spare bedroom.

I confess there is an excess of my words in that last step. If you try it, good luck, but don't expect the results that an experienced poinsettia grower can get.