Lisianthus 'Blue Chateau'
Pelleted (F1) Lisianthus
Eustoma grandiflorum
Hands down one of the best cut flowers you can grow from seed, I cannot imagine a season without lisianthus. With romantic, rose-like layers and multiple blooms per stem, they offer exceptional vase life and surprising durability despite their delicate appearance. Blooms even hold up out of water, making them excellent for wearables. The key to growing lisianthus from seed is to start them early and be patient, as they are very slow to grow. They prefer a cool start and a warm finish. Slow at first, but once established, they are incredibly tough plants. Pelleted seeds for easier sowing.
Unless you're purchasing to overwinter, you'll want to start these right away. We start the majority of our lisianthus seeds in January, which spills into February, for summer–fall blooms.
Packet contains approximately 50 coated seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Annual
Days to maturity: 140–150 days
Light preference: Full sun
Plant spacing: 4–6 inches
Plant height: 28–33 inches
Hybrid status: Hybrid (F1)
SOWING
Depth: Surface sow (light needed for germination)
Germination: 10–15 days at 68–72°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 12–13 weeks before transplanting out. Surface sow as light is needed for germination, but a fine dusting of vermiculite helps with moisture. Using a biological fungicide like Actinovate at planting can help protect against pathogens affecting roots. Personally, I like to use a fairly wet germination mix, then I spread vermiculite mixed with Actinovate over the top, then sow my seeds. During germination, keep temperatures between 68–72°F and do NOT allow soil to dry out. Because the seed is coated, I generally spritz each cell liberally until germination to dissolve the coating. After germination, grow seedlings on at 60–68°F. Avoid high temperatures and inconsistent moisture to minimize rosetting. Do not pinch.
For years, we have grown lisianthus from both plugs and seeds. I love plugs for their convenience (since seeds are slow to grow), but we now grow our entire crop from seed! I'll be documenting more of the process for those interested :) If it's too late to start from seed in your climate, consider purchasing plugs from Farmer Bailey (wholesale) or Garden Plant Club (retail, same owner). I adore Farmer Bailey plugs!!
Harvest & Vase Life
Lisianthus will initially produce one bud, followed by multiple buds. I prefer to remove the first bud to encourage the additional buds to flower together, harvesting when 3 to 4 flowers are open.
Expected vase life: 10–15 days.
