Poinsettia length. The colored bracts—which are most often flaming red but can be orange, pale green, cream, pink, white, or marbled—are often mistaken for flower petals because of their groupings and colors, but are actually leaves. The colors of the bracts are created through photoperiodism, meaning that they require darkness (12 hours at a time for at least five days in a row) to change color. At the same time, the plants require abundant light during the day for the brightest color. The flowers of the poinsettia are unassuming and do not attract pollinators. They are grouped within small yellow structures
2014 Poinsettia Bowl deal with Navy to play in the Poinsettia Bowl in 2014. After defeating the South Alabama Jaguars for their sixth win of the season on November 28, bowl director Bruce Binkowski extended an invitation to play in the game. This was Navy's fourth Poinsettia Bowl, giving them the most appearances in the game's history. In addition to the aforementioned 2010 game, the Midshipmen also appeared in the inaugural 2005 game where they defeated Colorado State 51–30 as well as the 2007 game where they lost to Utah 35–32. It will also be the Midshipmen's final game as an FBS Independent