Eustoma how to grow at home

A very beautiful flower, it is now gaining popularity among many indoor plant lovers. Eustoma ("Irish rose", "Texas bell", "beautiful mouth") has strong stems up to a meter high, one can have up to 35 flowers. The color of the petals is varied, from almost white to purple, from monochromatic to with various combinations. In the ground, flowers can be grown as biennial or annual plants. At home in pots, the flower feels great for several years.

Eustoma: growing from seed

Biological features of eustoma

Before you start growing a flower from seed, it will be very useful to get acquainted with its biological characteristics. Such knowledge will allow you to avoid some mistakes, increase the chances of success in the business you have started. We will give beginner growers one piece of advice - if your seeds did not sprout in the first year, do not lose heart. Analyze your actions carefully, find mistakes and start over. Be sure that the result will justify all your efforts.

Beautiful eustoma

1. Plants love even, diffused light. Do not keep it in the shade as well as in the sun. Sunlight is useful only during seed sprouting, its rays stimulate the awakening of sprouts.
2. The optimal soil is mixed in equal proportions with humus from the bark of deciduous trees (you can take coconut) and peat.

Important. Check the acidity carefully, it should only be neutral.

How to check the acidity of the soil at home? Very simple. Place a few drops of vinegar on the soil to be examined. If bubbles begin to appear, it means that a chemical reaction is taking place between vinegar and lime in the ground, the soil is neutral or slightly acidic. In acidic soil, the presence of "own acid" has already used up all the lime, chemical reactions with the release of hydrogen oxide do not occur.

Neutral soil acidity - there is a reaction with vinegar

Acid soil acidity - no reaction with vinegar

1. Do not try to propagate eustoma with cuttings, they will never give a root system. The method of dividing one bush into several will not work either. Even on large plants, the root system is so underdeveloped that it will not tolerate any separation, both bushes will certainly die. For the same reason, the flower cannot be transplanted.
2. In order to increase the flowering time at home, the plant should be kept in a cool room.

Consider these features of plant development and avoid annoying troubles.

It is best to plant eustoma with seeds.

What varieties are recommended to grow from seeds

In nature, there are more than 60 plant species, but only a few are used for breeding. For indoor breeding, it is recommended to take low-growing species with a height of no more than 45 centimeters, and for a garden or flower beds, you can take tall ones with a height of 60-120 cm.

Practical tips for growing eustoma from seeds

Eustoma, cultivation

It should be noted right away that this is a painstaking task, the seeds cannot always sprout. Reason: violation of the recommended agricultural technology or poor quality seeds. It is very important to purchase seeds only from trusted, reputable distributors. One of the difficulties is that the seeds are very small, on average there are more than 20 thousand seeds in one gram. In addition, they have a very low germination rate, if about 30% of the planted seeds grow, then such an indicator is considered a great success.

Eustoma (lisianthus)

Important. The germination rate of treated seeds does not exceed 40%, although producers claim that this figure is 60%. Untreated seeds in many cases will not sprout at all, do not purchase them, do not waste time.

If you plan to plant plants in the garden, then you need to deal with seeds in February or early March. Specific dates are selected depending on the climatic characteristics of the area with the expectation that flowers appear in July – August.

We grow beautiful eustomas

How to get the most out of seed growing?

Step 1. Substrate preparation. There is only one recommendation here - use the purchased one. It must be sterilized, neutral or slightly acidic in acidity.

Soil (substrate) for flowers universal

You can also use peat tablets, before that they need to be soaked for at least a day.

Peat seedling tablets (swollen)

Step 2. It is advisable that the seeds are processed by the manufacturer and sealed with a special gel. This not only significantly increases the percentage of germination, but also allows you to evenly sow seeds into the soil.

Terry eustoma, seeds in a bag

Eustoma sapphire

Step 3. Sow seeds into the prepared substrate. The earth should be moist, but not soaked, soft in structure. In no case do not sprinkle the seeds, just press them lightly to the ground. Watering is necessary only with a sprayer, make sure that the seeds do not "fall" into the ground.

Sowing eustoma seeds for seedlings

Moisten the seeds

Step 4... Cover the container with plastic wrap or plastic bag. It is recommended to leave small gaps through which air will circulate. Seeds sprout in 14-15 days, be patient.

Cover the container with the planted seeds with foil

Growing eustoma seedlings

Important. The germination of eustoma is greatly influenced by light, it serves as a natural stimulator to awaken life processes. In this regard, the use of artificial light is mandatory, the duration of the light period should be approximately 12 hours per day. Place the containers in such a place that the daytime temperature is not less than + 20 ° С, and at night it is not less than + 14 ° С. Temperature parameters are very important when growing plants from seeds, their violation often becomes the reason for the complete absence of seedlings.

Step 5. As soon as shoots appear, immediately remove the film, as the substrate dries, spray with a solution of phytosporin.

Fitosporin

Step 6. In one and a half to two months, the plants should have several pairs of true leaves, at which time you can start diving. The height must be at least 4–5 centimeters. Do the procedure very carefully, the root system of plants is underdeveloped, the roots are easily injured or torn off.

Eustoma diving rules

Step 7. Two weeks before planting eustoma in open ground, you should start the hardening procedure. Do this gradually; in the early days, expose it to the open air for only a few hours. Avoid direct sunlight. Hardening should be done only in warm weather.

Step 8. If the plants are planted in open ground, then you should first prepare the place: loosen the soil, weed the weeds, water.

Eustoma seedlings

Before planting, dig up the soil on a shovel bayonet and apply full mineral fertilizer

If you want the eustoma to bloom in the room in winter, then the timing of sowing seeds should be postponed to July – September. The cultivation technology is no different from the one described above.

Important. The amount of water during irrigation should be carefully monitored. Pay attention that the leaves must dry out by the evening.

Rotting of the root system (black leg) is almost not treated and in most cases it causes the death of plants.

Tips for caring for plants at home

Eustoma: growing at home

The plant is quite capricious and reacts very quickly to deteriorating conditions. Fresh air is always needed, but drafts should not be allowed. In addition, flowers do not like direct sunlight; choose the location of the pots in such a way that the light is diffused. The optimum temperature is approximately + 22 ° C.

Eustoma on the window

As for irrigation, water from city networks should be defended for at least a day. The root system does not react well to the presence of a large amount of calcium ions in the water, it is recommended to water it with soft water. Waterlogging and drying out of the soil become stress for plants, such situations should not be allowed. During intensive vegetation, especially during bud formation and flowering, plants need to be fed. It is better not to experiment on your own, but to use purchased liquid fertilizers. Follow the instructions for use, do not exceed the recommended rates. If all the care recommendations are followed, then there is hope that in about three months you will be able to enjoy new flowers.

How to grow eustoma in the garden

Only transfer plants when the frost risks have completely disappeared. The place should be cozy: no scorching sun rays and drafts. The ground should not have excessive moisture. It is better to water the soil, these problems are easier to cope with, but it is much more difficult to deal with excessive moisture.

Plant seedlings in holes

Water the planted seedlings well

It is recommended to cover delicate and weakened plants with cut plastic bottles immediately after planting. During transplantation, in no case tear off a clod of old earth from the roots. Very carefully remove the eustoma from the container, before that, moisten the earth a little. The plant sits in the prepared hole along with a lump of earth. The distance between individual plants is approximately 15 centimeters. If you have taller varieties, then the distance needs to be increased.

Eustoma mulching

Practical advice

There are several "secrets" with which you can increase the number of flowers on one stem and extend the flowering time.

1. As soon as 6-8 true leaves appear on the stem, pinch the top. This stimulates it to branch, one plant will give an increased number of flowers.
2. During active growth, feed mainly with nitrogen fertilizers, they have a positive effect on the growth of green mass. Fertilizers with an increased potassium content can be used for the root system. If there is ash - great, if not - use commercial preparations for feeding flowers.

   Fertilizers for flowers

3. The beginning of flowering is regulated not only by the time of sowing the seeds, but also by the time when the seedlings are transferred to the garden or to the flower garden. If the weather changes in the direction of lowering the temperature, then do not be too lazy to make the simplest shelters over the bushes. These can be ordinary curved rods with a film, covering geotextiles, etc. Sharp temperature fluctuations, albeit within the values ​​permissible for a plant, not only postpone the appearance of flowers, but also cause death.
4. Plants have been preparing for winter since the end of summer. Some varieties can withstand significant frosts even during flowering. The main condition is proper care for them.
5. If flowering is over too early, re-bud formation can be stimulated. To do this, you need to cut off the wilted flowers, after one and a half to two months the eustoma will give another wave of flowers.

   Blooming terry eustoma

6. There are plants that can be watered both from the top of the pot and into the pan. There are plants that require watering only from the bottom. The eustoma is watered only on top of the pot. And in the pot it is imperative to do land reclamation. To do this, use small stones, the layer thickness is at least two centimeters. An excess of moisture is the main enemy of the plant.

Each advice must be used wisely, be sure to take into account the peculiarities of plant growth. If you decide to grow flowers for sale, then the technology changes somewhat. The closest attention is paid to compliance with watering and feeding regimes. Breeding in greenhouses makes it possible to regulate important parameters of the microclimate, and fully automate the control of soil moisture and the frequency of irrigation. Flowers are cut to the roots, and then new generations are grown.

Large-flowered eustoma

Dormant period

For the winter, the plant significantly slows down its vital activity. After the flowers have completely fallen off, the stems should be cut off, while leaving up to three internodes. There is almost no need to water; plant pots should be kept in rooms with temperatures no higher than + 15 ° C. In the spring, the plant begins to wake up. As soon as the first signs of resumption of vital activity become noticeable, the eustoma must be carefully transplanted into a new container and the normal care regimen resumed.

Eustoma in winter

Unfortunately, the withdrawal of flowers from the dormant period will not always be successful, especially for novice florists. To always have beautiful flowers in the room, keep seeds in stock. Plants have not come out of winter - start growing from seeds.

Diseases

Aphids and spider mites are dangerous for indoor plants. These pests can appear from other plants located in the same room. If you closely monitor their condition, then the eustoma will be healthy. Prevention measures are well known to everyone: plants are treated with drugs with antiseptic action.

Video - How to grow eustoma from seeds

The word "eustoma" literally translates from Latin as "beautiful mouth" or "beautifully speaking." The magnificent flower has several other names that are used in different countries and regions: Lisianthus (bitter flower), Texas bell, Irish or Japanese rose.

The houseplant eustoma, a photo of which can often be seen on the covers of floriculture publications, belongs to the Gentian family. It is believed that the eustoma is a native of the southern regions of North America, the northern regions of South America, the islands of the Caribbean and Mexico. The American Indians have a legend that says that for the first time this flower bloomed on the grave of an innocent girl who fell victim to the spirit of war.The proud beauty refused to become his lover.

For Europeans, eustoma was discovered by the Irish botanist and physician Patrick Brown. It is popular among flower growers as a cut flower, since the eustoma can stand in a vase of water for up to twenty days, and as an ornamental plant for indoor cultivation. In the latter form, the flower has been cultivated since the mid-twenties of the last century.

Many flower growers dream of an indoor eustoma blooming in their house. Growing and caring for this plant raises many questions even for experienced flower lovers. In this article we will try to answer them. Today there are more than sixty species of this plant, which are divided into several conditional groups.

By type of cultivation:

• tall eustomas, which are most often planted in the garden and in personal plots;
• undersized varieties are suitable for indoor cultivation.

By the duration of the growing season:

• annuals are suitable for hobbyists as they are easier to grow;
• biennial - for professionals;
• perennial varieties do not exist.

By flower type:

• simple;
• terry.

Description of the plant

The eustoma has strong stems, which in open ground can reach a meter in height. Moreover, they are very graceful, like a carnation. Almost from the middle, the stems begin to branch, turning into a whole bouquet, numbering up to 35 buds, which bloom alternately.

The leaves of the eustoma are lanceolate-oval, matte, like waxy colored in a bluish or grayish shade. The calyx of the flower is deep and large, funnel-shaped. Flowers can be double and simple (depending on the variety), painted in different shades - lilac, pink, purple, white, solid or with a bright contrasting border.

When the bud is half-open, it is very much like a rose, when the flower is fully opened, it looks like a magnificent terry poppy. Under natural conditions, eustoma is a biennial plant, in garden cultivation it is usually annual.

Growing features

Many florists and gardeners are interested in the eustoma flower. Not everyone knows how to grow it, so we want to share with you some of the secrets of this plant:

• eustoma needs bright, but diffused light;
• the plant needs a soil consisting of equal shares of humus and peat;
• eustoma propagates by seeds, since cuttings do not germinate, moreover, a very fragile root system does not tolerate division;
• watering the plant should be carried out only after the soil has dried two centimeters deep;
• do not transplant eustoma: its roots will not tolerate transplanting;
• indoor eustoma, the photo of which you see below, blooms better in a well-ventilated room.

Growing from seeds

A rather capricious plant - indoor eustoma. Growing and caring for it is a rather painstaking task that takes time. Nevertheless, for those who master the difficult process, it will bring real pleasure. Indoor eustoma flowers at home grow their seeds, which it is advisable to purchase in a specialized store. The complexity of this process lies in the fact that eustoma seeds are very small: one gram contains 23 thousand pieces. Seeds purchased in the store are processed using a special technology to increase germination.

Indoor eustoma: growing and care

Sowing seeds at home should be in the first half of December. If you do this at this time, then by the end of August you will have blooming buds from which it is impossible to take your eyes off. Disposable cups are used for planting. The substrate should be loose, with a peat component. Soil with the addition of coconut is excellent.

The seeds are laid out on the surface of the soil, which is pre-watered and then sprayed. After that, the cups should be covered with foil and transferred to a warm place (+25 ° C). Once a day, the film is removed for a few minutes for airing, and the ground is moistened.After one and a half to two weeks, the indoor eustoma gives the first shoots. Growing and caring from this point on becomes more difficult.

The film is removed, and a lamp is installed above the young sprouts at a height of no more than 35 cm.When the seedlings reach 15 cm in height, they can be planted in permanent containers. A ceramic pot is suitable for this. Drainage (expanded clay) is laid on the bottom, in a layer of 3-4 cm. Then the container is filled with soil mixture, without adding it to the upper edge by three centimeters.

Care

The eustoma flower covered with numerous flowers and buds is very beautiful. Caring for it at home is not an easy task for one reason: the plant desperately needs diffused bright light and fresh air. This need can be met by installing an eustoma pot on the east or west window in a room that can maintain a temperature of + 19-22 ° C, with regular ventilation.

It is impossible to spray eustoma, as this can provoke leaf diseases. During the period of bud formation and intensive eustoma, they are fed with complex liquid fertilizers, at the rate of 10 ml per 10 liters of water. It is necessary to remove wilted flowers from the plant in time. Follow these simple rules, and eustoma will delight you in ninety days with re-flowering.

Watering

These indoor flowers do not tolerate drying out of the soil at all. Eustoma, home care for which involves regular watering, is also afraid of waterlogging, so the soil should be moistened only after the top layer has dried. The plant is watered at the root, trying to prevent water from getting on the leaves, at cool temperatures this can cause fungal diseases.

Temperature

For growing lisianthus, the daytime temperature is considered to be + 20-25 ° C, and at night - no more than + 15 ° C. If possible, in winter the flower is transferred to a room with a temperature of + 10 ° C.

Flowering secrets

Often, novice flower growers are interested in why indoor eustoma blooms poorly? Growing and caring for this magnificent plant is fraught with some secrets:

• a few minutes after watering, drain the water from the pan;
• in order for the plant to bloom more abundantly, maintain the temperature regime necessary for it and ventilate the room more often;
• if pests are found on a flower, start treatment immediately to prevent their spread to other plants.

Post-flowering care

When the eustoma has faded, its stems must be cut so that no more than three internodes remain on them, and the plant is transferred to a cool room (+10 ° C). During the dormant period, the plant is rarely watered, and feeding is stopped altogether. In the spring, after the emergence of new shoots, transplant the eustoma very carefully (using the transfer method) into a new nutrient soil and resume normal watering and care.

Indoor flowers eustoma (care): why does the ovary dry?

This question is of interest to many flower growers. It would seem that all the rules for caring for the plant are followed, but it drops the ovary. There are several reasons for this. Here are just a few of them.

1. The plant is standing in a draft. During airing, cold air can provoke buds to fall off, as well as leaf death. At this time, the flower should be removed from the windowsill.
2. Too cold water is used for irrigation: it must be separated, soft, at room temperature.
3. You can not transplant the plant during the period when it has blossomed or gained buds. Even minimal, at first glance, damage to the root system causes stress, as a result of which not only the ovary, but also the flowers fall off.
4. Another reason may be low room humidity. To increase it, gently spray the air around the plant, preventing moisture from getting on the flowers and buds.
5. With insufficient lighting, photosynthesis in the leaves slows down at first, which ultimately leads to the dropping of buds.Sometimes it seems that they are about to disband, but this does not happen.
6. The ovary can dry even at high temperatures in the room. Eustoma blooms and pleases with its beauty for a long time at air temperatures from +12 to +15 ° C.
7. The cause of the falling off of the ovary can be pests: spider mites, whiteflies, thrips, scale insects.

Diseases and pests

Indoor eustoma is susceptible to fungal mosquitoes, which are dangerous distributors of fungal diseases, to fusarium wilting, powdery mildew, gray rot. In the process of growing a plant, periodically carry out preventive spraying with special preparations. But if you do find pests, then do not delay treatment. The following drugs are effective: Saprol, Topsin, Mospilan, Fitoverm, Confidor. Spraying is carried out 2-3 times.

As you can see, a rather whimsical indoor eustoma plant. Growing and caring for it will require some effort from the owners, but believe me, you will be rewarded with a great result when the eustoma blooms.

With its delightful look, eustoma can decorate any flower bed. The delicate flowers of the plant form a dense carpet, practically hiding the green foliage under them. A guest from South America not only took root in our latitudes as an annual, but also became a popular garden flower. Eustoma is unpretentious, original and versatile in terms of landscape design. In addition, it can be grown indoors and specially for cutting. Let's talk about how to properly grow an eustoma from seeds, where to determine its place and how to take care of the plant in the future.

Eustoma, or "beautiful mouth"

"Beautiful mouth" - this is how the name of the plant is interpreted from the Latin language, consisting of two roots: "eu" and "stoma". A similar allegorical comparison is related to the shape of the flower. Currently, in the botanical environment under the name "eustoma" is meant only one specific species - large-flowered. It was appropriated to the plant in 1806 by the scientist R. Salisbury, having seen and admired Lisanthus grandiflora. In fact, it was he who is loved by gardeners and gave rise to numerous and varied varieties.

The generic name Lisianthus was given to these members of the Gentian family by an Irish botanist and physician, Patrick Brown. Sometimes this merit is mistakenly attributed to Karl Linnaeus. You can also find eustoma under the name of Texas bellflower, prairie gentian or tulip gentian.

Flower legend

Exotic and vibrant eustoma (planting and care are described below) has its own legend about its origin. American Indians tell an old story about a tribal chief who had a beautiful daughter. She was so beautiful that the spirit of war fell in love with her and wished to marry the girl. She refused him. The deity went into an indescribable rage and killed the poor girl. A day later, eustoma flowers of unearthly beauty appeared at the place of her burial. Since then, in Indian folklore, they have personified the innocence of a dead soul.

Growth area and description of the flower

Answering the question of how to properly grow eustoma from seeds for seedlings, and then in the open field or at home, one should start with a story about the homeland of the plant, as well as its morphological features. These two aspects largely determine the rules for caring for a flower.

The natural area of ​​growth of eustoma is very wide and covers the south of the United States, the northern part of South America, the Isthmus of Panama, Mexico, and also partly the islands of the Caribbean Sea.

At the moment, the genus includes only three species: this is a large-flowered eustoma, or Russell, small and Berkeley. They have certain phenotypic differences, but at the same time they have a number of common features, which we will focus on. Eustoma is a herbaceous plant with a rigid, erect stem, reaching a height of 60 cm.From about the middle, it begins to branch strongly, for this reason, in bloom, it is a ready-made bouquet. Leaves are oval-lanceolate, gray-green in color, matte. The calyx of the flower is funnel-shaped, deep, up to 5-8 cm in diameter. In the natural environment, the petals are deep blue in color. Breeders also bred numerous varieties that differ in color, as well as a terry shape.

Types of eustoma

Before trying to grow an eustoma in a pot at home or in the garden, you should decide which type of plant we are dealing with in this or that case. No matter how the sellers persuade you about the species, remember that in our markets and in specialty stores you can still only find Lisianthus Russell (or large-flowered). It is she who is sold with buds in early spring in pots, she is planted in their gardens by experienced gardeners. A distinctive feature of the species is blue-green waxy leaves and spectacular bell-shaped blue (sometimes white) flowers. It grows in the Great Plains region. Photos of this species are presented in the review.

The second known species is the small eustoma (Eustoma exaltatum). You can see it in the photo above. The flower is simple in shape, five-petal, shade from lavender to purple.

The third species is Eustoma barkleyi, which is a tropical plant. It was first described in 1957.

How to grow eustoma from seeds: seedlings or directly into the ground?

As mentioned above, eustoma is a biennial plant. However, in the climate of the middle zone, it can be grown only as an annual, and only in the southern regions - as a biennial. Sowing seeds can be carried out both for seedlings and directly into the ground. The first method is most relevant for the middle zone, the Urals and Siberia, the second - for the south. In addition, you need to pay attention to the structure of the soil: if it is heavy, then very small eustoma seeds will simply be lost in it and are unlikely to germinate. Seedlings by the beginning of June, with proper sowing, will be already formed and strong, and in July the plant will bloom and retain its decorative effect until frost.

Sowing dates

The first thing you need to know about how to grow eustoma seedlings is the timing of sowing the seeds. From the moment of their germination to the onset of flowering, it takes about 5-6 months. This means that in order to get a flowering plant in June, it should be planted for seedlings in early January. However, at this time of the year, daylight hours are still short, so additional lighting will be required.

If you want to grow eustoma indoors, then the time for sowing seeds can be shifted to the beginning of March. In this case, additional lighting is not required.

Stage 1: sowing

Quite a lot has been written about how to grow eustoma seedlings from seeds. Inexperienced growers are often warned that this is not an easy process and sometimes it makes sense to think about purchased plants. Growing lisianthus, indeed, not everyone can do. Seedlings are capricious, develop for a long time, sensitive to waterlogging. In addition, it should be noted that a bag of seeds (10 pcs.) Varietal eustoma will cost an average of 40 to 100 rubles. For everyone who wants to grow this flower, we recommend choosing granular planting material (pictured above) and peat tablets, as in the picture below. This will greatly increase your chances of a successful outcome of the undertaken.

Peat tablets that are too large are not needed, it is enough to take those that are 4 cm in diameter. Also prepare a mini-greenhouse in advance, for example, from a cake package. Place the tablets in it and gradually add water until they swell completely, drain the excess. In the center of each of them, make a small depression with a toothpick or match and place an eustoma seed there. You do not need to bury it, put it in, leave it and close the greenhouse lid.A preliminary study of information on how to grow eustoma from seeds at home makes the process much easier and prevents mistakes.

Place the container under a fluorescent lamp. Carry out additional illumination on the basis that the daylight hours for eustoma should be about 12 hours. The most favorable temperature for seedlings is + 20-25 ° С during the day and not lower than + 15 ° С at night.

Stage 2: seedlings

In the presence of the necessary environmental conditions, eustoma seeds begin to germinate about a week after sowing. Seedlings are very small and fragile, developing extremely slowly. At this time, the root system is growing, so they require special attention to themselves.

At this stage, it is important to know how to properly grow an eustoma from these tiny sprouts. First, watch for condensation inside the greenhouse and remove it in a timely manner. If water drops fall on the plants from above, then there is a high probability of the development of the fungus and their death. Second, ventilate the container daily. Thirdly, water the seedlings rarely, only when you notice that the tablets begin to settle. Add water to the container and then discard the excess.

After the first pair of true leaves appear in the seedlings, you can begin to increase the airing time, thereby accustoming them to the dry air of the room. From about the middle of March, you can stop supplementary lighting and completely transfer the eustoma to natural light.

Stage 3: planting in separate pots

Evidence that peat tablets have become small for a plant will be the appearance of roots outside of them. As a rule, this can be seen with the naked eye, and by this time the seedlings have 1-2 pairs of true leaves. Do not delay the transplant, otherwise the roots will sprout into neighboring tablets (this happens very quickly) and then they will have to be separated, while damage will be inevitable.

When studying the question of how to grow eustoma from seeds, attention must be paid to preparing the soil for planting. Seedlings require a fertile and loose soil with good water and air permeability. You can use special store mixes designed for violets, or prepare the soil yourself. To do this, you need humus, peat, regular garden soil of good quality and river washed sand. They should be taken in a ratio of 1: 2: 1: 0.5. Eustoma prefers soil that has a neutral pH, so it is useful to add wood ash to the mixture in the amount of two tablespoons per liter of soil.

The new pot should not be too large, 6-7 cm in diameter is enough. Pour the prepared soil on the bottom in a layer of 2-3 cm and compact it slightly. Carefully, trying not to damage the roots of the plant, remove the shell from the tablet. Next, place the eustoma in a pot and fill the space with soil. If the roots nevertheless sprout out and you are late with planting, then do not remove the shell, just cut it in those places where there are fewer of them. Compact the soil around the plant, making sure that the root collar is not buried. Water the plants by directing the stream of water around the perimeter of the pot, not in the center. The surface can be lightly sprinkled with dry potting soil.

Stage 4: seedling care

Further care of the seedlings is timely watering. It is important not to flood young plants, pay attention to the condition of the soil and their appearance. Place the seedling pots in a well-lit place (south or west window). We draw your attention to how to grow an eustoma flower from seeds for open ground and a room, because there are certain differences in agricultural technology.

If you are planning to transplant the plant into a garden or you have a tall variety, then another transplant will be required. It should be held in mid-March, for this, prepare pots 3-4 cm in diameter larger than the previous ones.

In the case when the eustoma is being prepared for planting in a pots and then placed in a room, on a balcony, loggia or patio, the intermediate stage can be omitted. Transplant the plant directly into a pot, that is, to a permanent place.

Stage 5: transplant into pots

Having learned how to grow eustoma from seeds, and having implemented all the tips in life, you can proceed to the next stage. When transplanting eustoma into pots (indoor cultivation), the requirements for the soil are the same, but for better growth, we advise you to add 1 tablespoon for every three liters of soil mixture of nitrophoska or azofoska. Move fertilizer carefully with the ground, as Lisianthus is sensitive to excess fertilizer and can burn.

At the bottom of the pots, be sure to pour a layer of expanded clay 2-3 cm thick.For low-growing varieties, a pot 15 cm in diameter or in width will be enough. By increasing the volume of the pots, add more expanded clay to the bottom. Then add a small layer of potting soil, remove the seedlings from the pot and carefully (keeping the earthy lump) place them in a new container. Fill the voids with soil and compact slightly. Then water the plant and sprinkle with dry earth on top.

A few words about how to grow eustoma at home. Caring for her in a room environment is simple. Place the pots with the plant in a bright place, it is not afraid of direct sunlight and will only be happy with it. In the summer, the usual room temperature is suitable for the eustoma, in the winter, it must be maintained at a level of 16-18 ° C. Watering should be abundant, let the soil dry out a little during breaks. This plant is native to the tropics and prefers humid air, when squeezed, spray it regularly.

For those who want to plant a plant in the garden, the questions about how to grow an eustoma flower do not end there. The most difficult stages (from seeds to large seedlings) have been completed. However, it is necessary to preserve the plants in the open field, and this also requires some effort.

Stage 6: landing in open ground

After you have successfully grown eustoma from seeds, and you have excellent seedlings, it is important not to ruin them. Do not rush to land in the ground, let the threat of return frosts pass. Dates directly depend on the climatic zone, approximately in mid-May - early June. The principles for choosing a site for planting and preparing the potting mix are the same as for eustoma grown in a pot culture.

The optimal time for planting is evening or cloudy day. Plant the bushes 15-20 cm apart to prevent thickening.

Stage 7: caring for outdoor plants

Basic tips on how to grow eustoma from seeds at home also apply to street specimens. Weeding, watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, pruning old inflorescences are the main points worth paying attention to.

First, be careful with watering. It is important to find a middle ground, since eustoma is harmed not only by excess moisture, but also by its lack. When the plants form 6-8 pairs of leaves, you can pinch the top to stimulate the formation of side shoots. Plant feeding with complex mineral preparations is carried out according to the standard scheme.

Secondly, weeding and loosening. The procedures are obligatory for all cultivated plants. After watering, remember to loosen the soil, but shallowly to provide oxygen to the roots.

Thirdly, feel free to remove wilted flowers. This will give the plant a cleaner look and it is likely that it will bloom again after 6 weeks.

In indoor culture, eustomas are less susceptible to pests and diseases, in contrast to street specimens. Plants are most susceptible to gray rot, the appearance of which is associated with a violation of the water regime. Thrips and whiteflies are dangerous pests.Treat street eustomas for prophylaxis several times a season with a fungicide and an insecticide.

Can I use my own seeds?

Many novice growers are wondering whether it is possible to grow eustoma from seeds obtained from their own plants. He has two answers. The first is yes, if your eustomas were non-hybrid. The second is not if the flowers are a cross product and there was an F1 badge on the package. In this case, the likelihood that eustomas from seeds will resemble mother plants is low, most likely, there will be splitting according to various characteristics.

Now you know everything about how to grow eustoma from seeds. Ampelous begonia, lobelia and decorative leafy species will be wonderful neighbors for her on the balcony, patio or on the summer terrace. She prefers solitude in the garden. Mono-plantings on flower beds, along the curb look especially impressive. Do not forget that eustoma is suitable for cutting into a bouquet. For this, use bushes on which at least 3-4 flowers have blossomed.

Eustoma or lisianthus is a perennial herb with a sturdy stem reaching a maximum height of 1 m. Belongs to the Gentian family. About 35 stunning flowers bloom on one bush - a whole bunch. The most delicate petals have different colors: from snow-white to purple, it can be monochromatic or combine several shades. The inflorescences are very beautiful: some look like roses, others like bells or tulips.

The name of the plant is derived from two Greek words meaning good (beautiful) mouth. In their homeland (in America), eustoma is called the Texas bell, tulip gentian, prairie gentian, is found under the name Irish rose.

Are eustoma roses annual or perennial?

In the open field, eustoma is cultivated as a one- or biennial plant, and grows well on the windowsill for several years.

Inspired by the charm of a flower, you will certainly want to see it in your home or on the site. When growing eustoma, it is necessary to study all the nuances and follow them.

The plant propagates exclusively by seed. Do not even try to propagate by cuttings - they will never give roots. Also exclude the method of dividing the bush. The root system is underdeveloped: you will destroy the plant.

Growing eustoma from seeds

A little about the quality of seeds

Eustoma seeds photo

Growing from seeds is a painstaking job. Novice flower growers may be upset that the germination rate is low or that seedlings have not appeared at all. The reason for this is a violation of agricultural technology or poor-quality seed. Don't despair, analyze your mistakes and try again. The result is definitely worth it.

Purchase seed at specialized points of sale. The seeds are very small (there are about 20,000 seeds per 1 g of weight). By themselves, they have a germination rate of about 30%, their processing increases the rate to 40%. The package should contain information about the processing (untreated seeds should not be taken). As a rule, they are sold in the form of pills (sealed with a special gel). This not only increases germination, but also makes sowing convenient.

The diversity of the genus is represented by 60 species, only a few of them are cultivated. For indoor cultivation, special compact varieties have been bred (about 45 cm high). On the flower beds, bushes with a height of 0.6-1.2 m flaunt.

How to grow eustoma seedlings from seeds

When to plant

• For subsequent cultivation in the garden, start sowing eustoma seeds for seedlings in February-early March. In this case, expect flowering in July-August.
• If you want to bloom indoors in winter, sow the seeds in July-September.

How to sow eustoma seeds for seedlings

How to sow eustoma seeds photo

The optimal composition of the soil for growing eustoma seedlings is a mixture of peat and humus from the bark of deciduous trees (coconut flakes are suitable) in equal proportions.

It is best to use a multipurpose seedling mixture purchased from a flower shop as a substrate. It has already been sterilized, the reaction is neutral or slightly acidic.

Can be sown in peat tablets, which are pre-soaked for a day.

• Moisten the soil slightly to make it soft in texture.
• Gently spread the seeds over the surface at a distance of 2-3 cm from each other, only lightly pressing them to the ground.
• Never sprinkle with earth.
• Water by spraying with a fine spray to avoid overfilling and seeds from falling into the soil.
• Cover crops from above with a plastic bag or plastic wrap. To circulate air, make several small holes (with a needle, toothpick).
• Expect sprouting about 15 days.

Eustoma growing from seeds when to plant Eustoma seedlings photo

• Remove the shelter immediately as soon as the first shoots appear.
• Spray with phytosporin solution to prevent fungal and putrefactive diseases.

How to care for eustoma seedlings

Air temperature and lighting

It is important to ensure the correct temperature regime. In the daytime, keep in the range of 20-22 ° C, a slight decrease is recommended at night, but the temperature should not fall below 14 ° C.

Lighting stimulates the awakening of life processes. The duration of daylight hours should be 12-14 hours. Use artificial lighting.

How to water properly

Water occasionally, but avoid waterlogging the soil. By the evening, the leaves must definitely dry out. Be sure to control the level of humidity, since when a black leg is damaged (rotting of the root system), eustoma sprouts are difficult to cure, they most often die.

Eustoma from seeds at home photo of the picking process

After 1.5-2 months, the seedlings will reach a height of 4-5 cm. It should have several pairs of true leaves. At this time, they are transplanted into individual containers (pots with a diameter of about 6 cm). Proceed with caution. The soil mixture is the same as when planting seedlings.

• Fill the containers with earth, make holes according to the size of the root system.
• Transfer together with an earthen lump.
• The root collar should be at the same level as before the transplant.
• Water the plants after picking with a solution of phytosporin to prevent the development of diseases.
• If after watering the root collar becomes bare, top up the earth.
• Cover the seedlings with a plastic bag to adapt.

Eustoma growing from seeds when to sow How to transfer seedlings

• Another intermediate transplant by transferring into larger pots promotes active growth of seedlings. Perform it when the plants have completely filled the intermediate container with roots.

A couple of weeks before transplanting into open ground, it is necessary to accustom to outdoor conditions. Take it outside for several hours: do it only in good weather, protect it from direct sunlight.

Planting eustoma seedlings in open ground

The transplant should be carried out based on the weather conditions. The risk of recurrent frost should be bypassed; in extreme cases, build a temporary film shelter.

• Choose a secluded place for planting eustoma, without draft and direct sunlight.
• Dig up the soil first, remove weeds, water.
• The soil needs to be loose, nutritious, breathable, it must freely pass moisture - stagnant water will destroy the plant.
• Water the eustoma seedlings a day before planting so that the moisture softens the earth and you can easily remove the pot from it.
• When transplanting, keep an earthen ball, the hole should correspond to the size of the root system.Water the soil before planting seedlings to get mud. Place the seedlings in this mud, carefully adding the soil. After planting in the mud, the eustoma is not watered. The root collar should be flush with the earth's surface, it is allowed to plant it in holes slightly recessed down. Maintain a distance of about 15 cm between individual plants; for tall varieties, increase the distance by 5 cm.

In the future, water the eustoma regularly, but in moderation, focusing on the amount of precipitation and air temperature. To maintain optimal moisture levels, mulch the soil.

Thin stems can lie under the weight of the inflorescences. Tie individual plants to pegs; for large plantings, stretch rows of twine or wire.

How to plant eustoma in the ground, we look at the video:

Conditions for growing eustoma and proper care in the open field

Lighting

For the successful growth and development of eustoma, it is necessary to provide bright diffused lighting. Avoid direct sunlight. Sunlight is only required to stimulate the awakening of the sprouts (during seed germination). Should not be grown in the shade, only slight shading is possible.

Priming

The acidity of the soil should be neutral. To test the acidity of the soil, take a handful of earth, drop a drop of vinegar. If a chemical reaction starts (hiss, bubbles), then the soil is neutral or slightly acidic. In acidic soil, reaction with vinegar will not occur. If the soil is acidic, it will need to be deoxidized: add wood ash, chalk or dolomite flour. You can scatter lime, but such preparation is possible only in the fall, in the spring it can harm the plants.

How to pinch an eustoma

To stimulate branching (which contributes to further abundant flowering), at the stage of appearance of 6-8 true leaves, pinch the top.

How to feed

During the period of active growth, add top dressing. Potassium contributes to the development of the root system. It is good if there is ash, if there is none, use commercial fertilizers. To strengthen the plant, focus on nitrogen-containing fertilizing.

So that the eustoma blooms profusely

The beginning of the flowering period is regulated not only by the time of sowing the seeds, but also by the time when the seedlings are transferred to open ground. Sharp temperature changes, even within the permissible norm, not only postpone the onset of flowering, but can also cause the death of the flower. If the weather is changeable, it is better to build a temporary shelter. Install the rods and cover with foil or geotextile.

After the end of flowering, a second wave can be stimulated. Cut off the wilted flowers and new buds will appear in 1.5-2 months. There are varieties that are resistant to the first frost - they will delight you with flowering longer.

When growing eustoma for sale (cut flowers), the technology is slightly different. The regime of watering and feeding is given close attention. In greenhouses, it is possible to create an ideal microclimate. The stem is cut at the root, waiting for the next generation of flowers.

Eustoma care at home

Growing eustoma at home Eustoma in a pot photo

Lighting and watering levels are the same as outdoors. Drizzle with moderately softened water at room temperature.

• Provide fresh air: ventilate regularly, avoid drafts.
• In the warm season, the temperature regime is comfortable within 22-24 ° С. In winter - 14-16 ° C.
• During the period of active growth, apply dressings for indoor flowering plants. For the frequency and dosage, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
• To extend the flowering period under indoor conditions, it is necessary to provide a cool air temperature.

The main enemy of eustoma is an excess of moisture. Water only on top of the pot.Be sure to do land reclamation (mulch the soil surface with small pebbles, a layer of about 2 cm).

Dormant period

Such a beautiful flowering plant needs rest. By winter, the activity of the eustoma is significantly reduced. After the end of flowering, cut the shoots, leaving 2-3 internodes. With minimal watering and an air temperature of 14-15 ° C, keep the flower until spring. Lighting is required bright, but diffused. Eustomas that grew outdoors can be dug up and stored until spring.

As soon as the first signs of a renewed vegetation appear, carefully transplant the flowers into a slightly larger container and resume regular watering. The withdrawal from the dormant period is not always successful - let it not come as a surprise to you. Have seeds in stock and in case of such a problem, proceed to sowing.

Diseases and pests of eustoma

• Possible diseases: gray rot, powdery mildew, fusarium. It is necessary to remove the affected areas and treat with a fungicide.
• Indoor pests: spider mites, aphids.
• Pests in the garden: whitefly, slugs.

Remove gastropods (slugs, snails) mechanically (collect by hand), use traps. Insecticide treatment will help to get rid of other pests.