Crotons

Crotons (codiaeum-variegatum) come in a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors. Leaves can be short, long, twisted, thin, thick, and several of these combined. Colors range from green, variegated, yellow, red, orange, cream, pink, and black to a combination of all these. They are native to Southeast Asia and in their native habitat can grow to a height of 10 feet, however as a houseplant the croton plant does not exceed three feet in height.

In our area they make an excellent choice for container gardening on the porch, patio, or in outdoor living areas. They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground. When temperatures drop to around 50°F (10°​​​​​​​C), croton will need to be taken indoors.

When choosing a container for your croton, keep in mind that Crotons have an upright growth habit, which eventually may cause it to become top heavy. Pick a container that won’t easily tip over when the croton gets larger. Croton plants should be put in a location that receives significant exposure the sunlight. Without light, the croton’s colors will begin to fade.

Crotons perfer and do best in a sunny location such as an eastern, southern, or western window. If a croton is getting too little light, its newer leaves will be less colorful. The soil in which the croton is planted should remain moist but not constantly wet. Feel the soil and if it is dry to the touch, it may be time for watering. In a dry environment, the croton may require misting to maintain healthy leaf growth.

If humidity is low in your home, mist around the leaves with water once a week or keep a tray of wet gravel near the plant. Croton leaves are dust magnets. Gently wipe the leaves with a moist cloth twice a month to keep them clean and dust-free. New croton plants can be started with 4 to 6 inch long stem cuttings. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water. After roots have formed, plant in a small pot. For best results, use a general houseplant fertilizer once in early spring, once in early summer, and again in mid-summer. Do not feed in the fall or winter.

We are open and, if you are comfortable, would love for you to visit our open-air store and property. In addition to getting much needed fresh air here, we are practicing social distancing, meaning our employees and customers are to remain at least 6 ft apart. In addition to social distancing we have implemented the following practices:

• We have distanced our cash registers 6 ft apart to accommodate this new protocol
• Contact free credit card payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, are available for your convenience
• Wearing gloves/Frequent Hand Washing
• Disinfectant wipe downs of surfaces
• Delivery/Pick-up Options

If you would like to stay home, but still shop with us, we will be taking phone-in orders. Please feel free to reach out to us at 201-652-7540. Delivery is available. ALL ORDERS must be done via tel-652-7540 and you don’t get an answer please call or text 201-755-7959 and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

We are also offering curbside pick-up. You can call in your order and we will call you when it is ready to pick up. Once you reach the parking lot you can call to let us know you are at the store.Our social media (Instagram and our Facebook Page) accounts and our website are the best ways to monitor our hours and we encourage you to communicate with us if you have any concerns or questions regarding our business.

As per the Department of Agriculture Goffle Brook Farm & Garden Center is considered an essential business and will remain open Monday through Sunday 8:30-5:00. The only change in those hours would be a day that rains all day. If it is a rainy day just call first to be sure we are open.

Thank you for your continued support. Best (Healthy) Wishes,
The Staff at Goffle Brook Farms Garden Center