Holiday Poinsettia Supply Takes a Hit in Manatee County After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Poinsettias, a holiday favorite in households and businesses alike, are expected to be in short supply this season in Manatee County, as Hurricanes Helene and Milton dealt a major blow to local growers. The back-to-back storms, which brought high winds, heavy rain, and flooding, hit Florida’s central and southern poinsettia-producing areas particularly hard, leaving farms and nurseries struggling to recover for the holiday rush.

The effects were particularly severe in Manatee County, where poinsettias are a key agricultural product. Hurricane Helene’s winds damaged many plants, causing leaf loss and structural stress that hindered growth. Many of the remaining plants faced even more difficulties when Hurricane Milton followed, bringing prolonged rains that led to widespread flooding and soil damage. The saturated soil impacted root health, further reducing the number of viable poinsettias that can be harvested for the season.

The result has been a diminished and delayed crop, with poinsettia plants either too damaged to sell or maturing later than expected. This setback is impacting nurseries and retailers across Manatee County, with local growers reporting as much as a 35-40% reduction in their holiday poinsettia crop. Those plants that have survived are generally smaller and less vibrant than in previous years, and as a result, consumers are likely to see fewer options and higher prices when purchasing poinsettias.

Supply chain disruptions caused by the storms have also limited options for nurseries that typically bring in additional plants from neighboring regions. Other Florida counties and poinsettia farms in southern states were similarly affected by the storms, making it difficult for local retailers to replenish their stock.

Beyond reduced availability, the increased production costs associated with recovery efforts, including soil remediation and additional labor, are also expected to drive up prices. Retailers are already adjusting their inventories and advising customers to shop early if they wish to secure a poinsettia this holiday season, as supplies may run out sooner than usual.

Despite the challenges, Manatee County growers are hopeful that their efforts will be sufficient to meet at least part of the demand, albeit with limited stock. Many are already looking ahead to next year, investing in reinforced greenhouse structures and drainage improvements to better withstand future storms.

For this holiday season, however, poinsettia lovers should expect a leaner selection and may need to consider alternative plants for festive decor as the industry recovers from the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.