Eustoma flowers planting and care in the open field by rhizome

It is no coincidence that eustoma is one of the most popular ornamental plants. Its beauty can be judged by its gray leaves and funnel-shaped double flowers with a rich color palette. During the flowering period, eustoma has inflorescences of various shades - pink, white, lilac, lilac, reaching a diameter of 7-8 cm. They look especially beautiful in a half-open state, when they resemble a rose.

When the flowers of the eustoma fully open, they become very similar to poppies. It is enough to see a blooming eustoma just once, so that the gardener has a desire to plant it in his own garden. And you should not give up this venture, given that it is quite simple to care for this plant.

Description of eustoma

During the growing season, eustoma forms strong stems 80-90 cm long... From about the middle of the shoot, many strong branches are formed, which are formed bouquets. Eustoma began to be considered as a cultivated plant not so long ago. At first, it was considered only as a plant for growing indoors. However, subsequently, the opportunity arose for the cultivation of this crop in open ground conditions.

Today, in relation to eustoma, cultivation techniques are used that are applicable to annuals. Its distinguishing feature is that it remains blooming for a long timeeven if you cut it off and put it in water. It looks most vividly during the flowering period, when very beautiful and long flower stalks appear. These features contributed to the widespread distribution of eustoma in Europe.

Over the years, breeders have managed to develop many different varieties that are not alike in all respects. Therefore, gardeners who decide to purchase eustoma seeds need to remember that everything exists. two types of this plant:

undersized;
tall.

It is easy to guess that the former are intended for growing indoors and on the balcony. As for tall varieties, they are usually cultivated in gardens.

This plant, known to many as lisianthus, can be grown as an annual or biennial. Typically, this information is given on the seed packet. The cultivation of an eustoma belonging to the biennial group does not always end successfully. Therefore, for novice gardeners, annuals are the best choice.

The most striking look double eustoma flowers (lisianthus). You shouldn't think too much about the shade of the flowers, because regardless of the variety, any plant will look beautiful during the flowering period.

Distinguished by a varied range of colors, these flowers usually reach a diameter of 6 cm. Eustoma served as a base plant for breeding a variety of different hybrids, which are similar to each other with the exception of the shade, which can be white, pink and purple. Many growers often grow perennial eustoma, which also has many advantages.

Seed propagation of eustoma

Typically for growing this plant use seed sowing... The method of dividing the bush has not gained popularity due to the fact that this event rarely ends successfully. This is due to the fact that a violation of the root system severely injures the plant, after which it is very difficult for it to recover. As a result, this method leads to the death of all parts of the plant. For this reason, if you want to be guaranteed to grow an eustoma at home, then you should use the seed sowing method.

However, not everything is so simple here either. First of all, difficulties can arise during seed germination. Otherwise, there shouldn't be any special problems. You can sow seeds already in winter, remembering that his eustoma begins to bloom about the 20th week from the moment the first shoots appear. So do not delay sowing until spring, otherwise you will not be able to achieve flowering in the early stages. To wait for the timely appearance of flowers, it is recommended to start sowing seeds between November and February.

Before planting, it is necessary to prepare a suitable soil mixture, which is peat with the addition of a small amount of sand and perlite. This substrate has the most loose structure and will provide the best moisture absorption.

You can also replace this mixture with specialized soil for Saintpaulias. It is recommended to use disposable small cups as a seed container.

Prepared Seeds placed on the surface of the soil, after which they need to be slightly buried into it. There may be 2-3 seeds per glass. After sowing, polyethylene is stretched over the cups to provide a greenhouse effect. After that, you need to be patient and wait for shoots to appear. To accelerate seed germination, it is necessary to maintain a favorable temperature, which should be in the range of 20-25 degrees. When this condition is met, the seeds will begin to germinate in about two weeks. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that seeds will grow extremely slowly in the first month.

Watering while the seeds are under the film is not required, since it retains moisture well. Seedling care at this stage of growing requires aeration at least once a week. As a result of regular supply of fresh air condensation will be discharged... Also, during this operation, you can once again make sure that the young plants have enough moisture. If there are signs of drying out of the soil, you can pour it with a light stream of water along the edge of the cup, after which the cups are again covered with foil.

Eustoma seedlings care

It is especially necessary to care for seedlings in the first months of life. When grown indoors, they can often stretch out, which can be avoided by providing them with diffuse lighting. This allows artificial light to be made. At the end of February, the seedlings can be transferred to the windowsill located on the south side. When the sun begins to warm more, the seedlings will receive more heat and respond to this with more active growth.

Prophylaxis

In order for the seedlings of the Irish rose (eustoma) to be strong and healthy, it is necessary to take measures to protect it from diseases. Once in two months carry out treatment with a solution of foundation, for the preparation of which you need to take half a teaspoon of the drug and dilute in 0.5 liters of water. An effective measure that stimulates the growth of seedlings is spraying with Epin or Zircon.

Dive

After two months from the moment of planting, the seedlings reach the state when they are carried out dive into individual pots... However, you should be extremely careful here.

in order not to injure the plants, it is recommended to pick the flowers of the Irish rose using a thin awl, which should be pryed off the young plants and transferred to the pots.However, first you need to make indentations in the cups using an ordinary pencil;
during the dive, the plants must be positioned in such a way that they are buried to the very leaves;
before transplanting, it is imperative to water the soil. After that, the plants are covered with foil and given several weeks for rooting.

Usually, eustoma seedlings tolerate a pick without consequences, so they start growing pretty soon.

Transplanting flower seedlings

In the spring, the seedlings of the Irish rose flowers become large enough, so you might want to consider replanting them in larger pots. To do this, you can use cups with a diameter of 7-8 cm... Transplant is carried out by transshipment of an earthen coma. However, the bottom of the pot should be filled with a suitable drain first. It can be both expanded clay and crushed foam.

After transplanting, the seedling pots are transferred to a well-lit place. Gradually they are adapted to sunlight, leaving them without a film for several hours. Later they are grown without polyethylene. In this state, they are grown until there is a favorable moment for transplanting into open ground.

Planting Irish rose seedlings in open ground

Favorable conditions for planting seedlings in a permanent place arise already in mid-May. This can be determined by the presence of 6-8 leaves in seedlings. When grown outdoors, eustoma begins to grow rapidly in size... It is best to transplant in the evening, when the sun is not so hot. For transplanting seedlings, pits are prepared, which in size should correspond to the pots with seedlings.

The finished wells must be watered. Transplanting seedlings is carried out by transshipment of an earthen coma. Upon its completion, it is necessary to install a shelter on each pit - a half of a plastic bottle or a transparent jar. It will be needed in case there are recurrent frosts, and will also reduce moisture evaporation. After the last wave of frost has passed, the shelter is removed.

Conditions for keeping eustoma in the garden

So that, after transplanting, the seedlings immediately enter into growth and bloom profusely, it needs provide maximum illumination... The quality of soil fertility also affects the development of this plant.

When determining the frequency of watering for Irish rose flowers, they are guided by the condition of the soil. After transplanting, even before the beginning of flowering, eustoma begin to feed. You can determine the right moment for fertilizing by its active growth. This means that the seedlings are well established. This usually takes about one month. To provide the young flowers of the Irish rose with the necessary trace elements, it is recommended to use specialized complex preparations for flowering plants. So, for this, the following products readily soluble in water are suitable:

Plantafol;
Kemir;
Kemira Lux.

Conclusion

Many experienced flower growers are very interested in such a plant as eustoma, because it looks very beautiful, so it can become an excellent decoration not only for an apartment, but also for a summer cottage. Growing a two-year-old eustoma outdoors is not that difficult. but much depends on the quality of seedlings... Therefore, sowing the seeds of Irish rose flowers must be carried out at a suitable time - usually this is done between November and February.

Such a race in time allows you to get the first flowers in the spring. However, this is only possible with proper care during the cultivation of seedlings and after transplantation of young eustoma plants.

Land improvement is a top priority for many gardeners. Harvesting is, of course, good, but beauty should please the eye. There are many ornamental plants that will decorate your garden. These include eustoma, or lisianthus. The description of this flower contains the best epithets.The adorable plant can be grown both in pots and outdoors.

Eustoma - what is it?

Eustoma is a perennial ornamental plant. Central America is considered his homeland. Eustoma belongs to the gentian family. Today this plant has many varieties and hybrids. Lisianthus flowers (second name) have a wide variety of colors. They are large and resemble a rose inflorescence. Due to its external data, eustoma, planting, reproduction and care of which require certain skills, has become the most popular decorative flower among gardeners and florists.

Description

A perennial plant, which can be annual in cold climates, has large flowers of various shades - from white to multi-colored. They resemble a half-open rosebud, but the stems of the eustoma do not have thorns. They reach a height of no more than 50 centimeters. However, due to heavy branching, one branch can look like a bouquet. Lisianthus leaves are matte with a bluish tint and waxy texture. For planting in pots and growing in a room, dwarf varieties are used, which have a height of no more than 30 centimeters. One bush of a plant can have up to 35 buds.

Varieties and hybrids

Perennial eustoma, planting by the root of which is considered ineffective in most cases, has a sufficient number of varieties and hybrids. It is a moody plant that prefers warmth and moisture. However, thanks to breeders, varieties and hybrids were bred that are more adapted to modern weather conditions. Today, the seeds and seedlings of this plant are available not only to professional florists, but also to ordinary amateur gardeners.

A large number of varieties and colors have made eustoma very popular. For example, the terry series "Kyoto" and "Echo", as well as non-double types "Twinkie" and "Mermaid" found a good response from florists.

Features of eustoma

Eustoma blooms, the care of which has its own characteristics, from early July to October. One plant can produce flower stalks throughout this period if not cut. After cutting the bush at the root, new shoots appear, but they bloom again only in warm areas. Low-growing varieties are more suitable for balconies and window sills. Tall types of eustoma are used to decorate personal plots and for cutting. Florists love this flower for its portability. Even after being cut, it stays beautiful and fresh for a long time.

Reproduction methods

Perennial eustoma, planting by the root of which is possible only from seedlings grown from seeds, has its own characteristics of reproduction. The vegetative way of breeding eustoma is not considered correct. This plant has a very delicate root system. Therefore, careless actions when dividing a bush can lead to its death.

The effectiveness of such operations is very low. Plant cuttings do not take root well, so this method is also not suitable. The best option is seed material or ready-made seedlings. They can be purchased at specialized stores. This method is more troublesome, but also effective. Planting and caring for an eustoma flower will pay off when it pleases with its magnificent view.

The soil

To grow a beautiful, healthy plant, it is necessary to observe everything that requires planting an eustoma (soil, sowing time). You can simplify the process and buy ready-made potting mix at the store. It should be identical to that for violets or saintpaulias. For greater efficiency, you can add sand to it. The soil for eustoma should be light with good air access and neutrality. The second option is to prepare the soil yourself. To do this, you need to take two parts of good garden soil, one part of sand, four parts of peat and 1-2 tablespoons of ash for each liter of mixture.

The prepared soil must be disinfected by any means and method.This can be hot potassium permanganate or steaming. If the planting is carried out in pots, then it is also necessary to disinfect them for them. Better to choose wide, spacious containers with good drainage holes. Planting seeds can be carried out in peat tablets, which can then be easily transferred to the main place. The pill container must also be decontaminated.

Pollination

Perennial eustoma, which is planted by the root in the form of already formed seedlings, in most cases, nevertheless propagates by seeds. To get a good seed, you need to carry out a simple pollination process. All you need is a soft brush. With its help, pollen is transferred from one plant to another. After a while, a box with seeds ripens. They are very small, but they are distinguished by increased germination. Up to 15 thousand seeds can be obtained from one box. Once ripe, they will be ready for sowing.

Sowing

Eustoma (lisianthus), planting and caring for which require special conditions, is very moody. We plant seeds in prepared containers with soil and cover the pots on top with a film, creating the effect of a greenhouse. The optimum temperature for this stage is 25 degrees.

After two weeks, you can already observe the first shoots, which develop very slowly, which is the norm for this plant. Gradually, it is necessary to accustom the young shoots of a plant such as eustoma (lisianthus) to room temperature conditions. Cultivation and care, planting and soil selection are all very important and require a certain amount of patience and diligence. The plant is very thermophilic, therefore adaptation to the natural environment is necessary. This period will take about two months.

Picking

Seedlings should be planted in separate small pots, since up to 5-6 shoots can grow from one seed. After picking, we place the seedlings in a shady place, where the temperature should be about 18 degrees. As you grow, you will need another transplant into more spacious containers. Perennial eustoma, planting with the root of which must be carried out very carefully, has a delicate root system that is easy to damage.

We plant seedlings in the garden

Seedlings can be grown in a room on a windowsill or outdoors. How is planting and caring for eustoma in the garden carried out? To grow a beautiful plant, you need to create the right environment for it. Landing in open ground is carried out in May-June. At this time, the earth will already warm up enough, and the threat of frost will disappear. Eustoma is a thermophilic plant, and therefore should be planted in sunny areas. But at first, the seedlings need to be provided with shade so that it can adapt faster. The soil must be cultivated and nutritious. It is better to disinfect it before planting. Then a hole is dug to match the root system.

In such conditions, perennial eustoma will take root better. Root planting in spring is preferable, as the plant will be able to root well during the warm period. The seedling must be carefully removed from the pot without damaging the earthen lump with the root system and placed in the prepared hole. Then the free space is covered with earth. Do not press and compact the soil strongly, so as not to damage the roots and leave room for oxygen to access.

Eustoma is a moisture-loving plant. Therefore, care, first of all, consists in regular watering. The soil should not be allowed to dry out, but waterlogging will also not be beneficial. Loosening the soil around the flower is carried out with extreme caution. You can limit yourself to pulling out the weeds. Perennial eustoma loves only proper care. Rooting in the fall is more troublesome. The plant may not have time to take root until the first frost. This method is only appropriate in regions with warm climates or for growing in rooms and greenhouses. Eustoma loves moisture, light and warmth.Therefore, in room conditions, she needs to find a bright place with enough heat and spray regularly.

Breeding eustoma is a creative and painstaking process. The many varieties that are undoubtedly pleasing to the eye allow you to decorate the garden and make it bright. Eustoma goes well with other plants, shrubs and flowers. It can be used to create compositions and decorate flower beds. This flower looks amazing in bouquets. That is why florists love it so much. And if we take into account the excellent property of eustoma for a long time to remain fresh even in the cut, then it can be called simply a universal flower. Caring for Lisianthus is difficult due to its capriciousness, but the result of the work will be amazing.

In this article, I would like to tell you and show you what perennial eustoma is - planting and care, photos of buds and inflorescences that simply amaze with their different shades. This delicate and at the same time luxurious flower has many names. The plant belongs to the gentian family, its homeland is Central America, but it is also very widespread in South America, Mexico - wherever it is quite humid and warm at the same time. She does not like drafts and sudden temperature changes (and what flowers do they like, if you think so?).

Eustoma, photo:

As for the names, they are no less attractive than the flower itself - "Irish rose", "Texas bell", "tulip gentian", "prairie flower". And yet, despite the fact that this botanical name of this genus is considered rather outdated, eustoma is also called lisianthus, which in Latin means “bitter flower”. Since this representative belongs to the gentian family, it is easy to draw parallels. Moreover, the plant itself contains many bitterness, such as gentianin, genseopicrin, genciamarin and other similar derivatives.

On the Internet, on the relevant flower forums and in groups, you can often come across the following question: eustoma and lisianthus - what is the difference? The answer is predictable - there is no difference, this is the name of the same plant.

If we briefly go into the details and origin of the names, then Eustoma - from the Greek "Eu" means: "beautiful", "beautiful", and the same Greek word "Stoma" - means "mouth". As a result, we get a "beautiful mouth" or "lovely mouth" - whichever you prefer.

It is interesting that in each country this flower is called in its own way: in Ireland - an Irish rose, in Japan - a Japanese one, in Mexico - it is generally called a Texas bell, in France - a French rose of love. Be that as it may, these poetic names correspond to reality and once again demonstrate the sympathy of many nationalities for this amazing flower.

↑ to content ↑ Features of the eustoma flower

It differs not only by names, but also by the colors of the buds, the shape of the flowers themselves. Representatives of a particular variety essentially resemble a rose. A person far from the world of floristry can even confuse them. Certain varieties resemble in size and shape poppies, double mallow, some representatives of the lily family. Lisianthus stems are most often massive (like, for example, a carnation), it is noteworthy that one shoot can accommodate 20, or even 30 flowers (and sometimes even more!).

Eustoma - photo of flowers:

The leaves of the plant are not particularly distinguished, they are medium in size, slightly elongated with a sharp tip. But the color scheme of colors, as already mentioned above, simply amazes with its multicolor. Red, blue, cream, snow-white, lilac, two-color - with a transition from one shade to another, pink, lilac, yellow - any shades can be eustoma-lisianthus! With its exquisite beauty, this flower can compete with the bride's bouquet - and it's not in vain! In addition to their visual appeal, these flowers are very durable when cut.Various celebrations, banquets are often decorated with her bouquets, decorative arches are made out. And all because they can not lose their freshness and beauty for 15 or 20 days (naturally, being in water or in a special wet floristic sponge).

Irish rose differs in size, stem height. For example, depending on the variety, it can grow in the open field, in a greenhouse, in a pot on a windowsill at home (the so-called dwarf varieties). In its natural growing environment, this plant is a biennial, however, if you want to grow it in your summer cottage, count on the fact that you will have it as an annual. But potted versions of lisianthus are perennials.

Thus, perennial eustoma can exist exclusively in the home (apartment) version. The same factor applies to the length of the stems - tall representatives go to decorate bouquets and all kinds of decorations, and undersized lisianthuses delight your eyes at home, on window sills and flower shelves.

Lisianthus, by the way, is not quite capricious in cultivation and care. He will not require any special "dances with tambourines" even from a beginner-grower, both at their summer cottage and at home. Naturally, if you treat this matter with interest and care, do not forget about watering, adhere to simple rules and recommendations of experienced florists or neighbors in the country, where it successfully grows and blooms.

↑ back to content ↑ Some popular varieties and types of eustoma

The main differences between these colors, of course, consist in the external difference of each variety, in colors and shades, a variety of forms. On flower forums, you can most often find references to the varieties listed below. I would also like to show them here.

Eustoma large-flowered Russell (Eustoma russellianum). It has a straight stem, the bud itself is somewhat similar to a poppy (in shape), the petals can be with or without fringe. It can have completely different shades of buds.

Eustoma Russell, photo:

Lisianthus Echo is probably the most common variety for bouquets. It can reach a height of 60 cm, and the color range of the buds has approximately 11 shades, both monochromatic and with a gradient (one shade, smoothly turning into another).

Echo variety, photo:

Lisianthus Aurora (Aurora) - an early cultivar, reaching 1.5 m in height, double flowers, saturated pink, snow-white, blue shades.

Eustoma Aurora, photo:

The Flamenco variety is a highly decorative species of Lisianthus, also reaching a decent height (approximately 1.3 meters). It is very unpretentious to care for and also boasts a multicolor bud.

Flamenco variety, photo:

Florida Pink has pink flowers! At least here it is not difficult to get lost in the bright variety. This is a perennial, the shoots of which are abundantly covered with flowers.

Lisianthus Florida Pink, photo:

The variety "Mermeid" is a potted species with a stem height of up to 15 cm. It is presented in a predominantly blue-violet range (mermaid-sea associations), but sometimes pink and white representatives are also found.

Mermeid variety, photo:

The Little Bell variety may seem rather simple in appearance, especially against the background of some lush fellow tribesmen, but this is precisely its charm and touchingness. It is also suitable for potting.

Lisianthus Little Bell, photo:

White Large-flowered (Lisianthus grandiflorum) is probably one of the most impressive varieties. This is exactly the eustoma from which wedding bouquets are made and with which they decorate the interiors of banquet halls. A very impressive and luxurious variety.

Lisianthus grandiflorum, photo:

In fact, there are about 60 varieties of this flower in nature, all of them are at the same time somewhat similar, but at the same time, they are completely different in appearance.

↑ to the content ↑ Features of growing eustoma in the garden, collecting seeds

In order for this beauty to feel comfortable and bloom in a violent color on your site, you need to decide in advance on the landing site. It should be sunny, and the soil on it should be fertile. Watering lisianthuses should be done as the upper layer of soil dries up.

Top dressing and fertilization is a matter of course, as in the case of any flowering garden dweller.This flower should be fertilized when it is already firmly rooted in a new place, this happens about a month after the seedlings are transferred to the flowerbed (in open ground). According to experienced florists, lisianthus prefers special complex preparations, similar to those recommended for the vast majority of their flowering counterparts.

How to grow eustoma? Top dressing "Plantafol Growth" or simply "Plantafol" is applied at the very beginning, when the flowers require fertilizers with a high concentration of nitrogen. When they begin to form buds (about mid-summer / August), you can begin to add Plantafol Budding to the root - it contains much more phosphorus than nitrogen. Preparations "Kemira" or "Kemira Lux" will contribute to a longer and more luxuriant flowering. The main thing - do not forget that all such additives must be diluted with water. And, one more important nuance, which is not indicated on the fertilizer package, but is strongly recommended by experienced flower growers - dilute a slightly lower concentration of fertilizer in water than is written in the instructions for use!

The Irish rose begins to bloom in mid-summer (in July) and continues to delight the eyes with lush buds until mid-autumn (until about October). As mentioned above, this flower is quite "tenacious", both in cut and in natural form - lisianthus inflorescences on one shoot may not fade up to 2 months. If you carefully cut the twig, it will grow back and be covered with new flowers. The duration of flowering also depends on the growing region: the warmer it is in your area, the longer it will bloom. For example, in our Kuban lisianthus will bloom for a long time and will repeatedly give new buds!

Eustoma - photo of flowers:

↑ back to contents ↑ How to collect eustoma seeds

Now let's get to the more serious part of the growing process - collecting seeds and further manipulating them. The seed pods of the flower are formed after pollination. In the open field, of course, plants are pollinated by insects. If you are breeding Lisianthus at home, then solving this problem with an ordinary (soft) brush will not be difficult and will not take much time. As with other flowers, seed pods remain in place of dried buds that have not been removed from the shoots.

Planting eustoma with seeds almost always has a positive result. The seeds sprout pretty well, both those that you managed to collect yourself and those that were purchased from the flower shop.

They are very small in size, those that are sold in the store are already "rolled up" in a special thin shell, which consists of components that promote better plant germination and growth. It is most convenient to stock up in advance with special cassettes for seedlings, and even better - peat tablets! In these tablets, the soil mixture has already been selected with a competent calculation of the composition, and it is much more comfortable to plant these tablets later in the open ground. And there - see how it is more convenient for you.

Eustoma seeds, photo:

Both purchased store-bought and self-collected seeds are most conveniently buried in the soil with a toothpick, as shown in the photo above. Seeds are sown in winter or at the very beginning of spring - most often in February or early March, but there are also frequent cases of successful planting in January.

↑ to content ↑ Eustoma - growing from seeds

As mentioned above, for convenience, saving time and effort, you can buy peat tablets, you can also buy a ready-made soil mixture in a flower shop (the one that is designed for planting Saintpaulias or violets is perfect).

At the same time, you can approach this process in detail and make up the soil mixture yourself. At the time recommended for sowing, take a light garden soil that should pass water and air well.It should be clean land from a garden plot (without any plant residues or stones), peat and calcined river sand. Put all these components together in equal proportions. Additionally, you can add a couple of tablespoons of wood ash.

To play it safe and be sure that the sowing will be done in a clean earthen mixture, decontaminate the soil - this can be done by spilling the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate or steaming (not roasting in the oven!) a quarter is filled with water, put on fire. From above, earth is poured into a colander and covered with a lid on top. The whole process takes about 1 hour. The hot steam from the water flows through the holes in the colander and kills any bacteria in the soil. However, this method has one drawback - with harmful bacteria, beneficial microorganisms can also be destroyed that help resist future plants. In any case, the choice is yours. Subsequently, the steamed soil will have to be saturated with useful biofungicides, such as "Fitosporin" or, for example, "Trichodermin", "Baikal M1".

It is also extremely important to take into account that sowing should be done only in disinfected containers! It can be like cassettes for seedlings (they can be seen in the photo above), ordinary plastic or paper cups. Drainage holes are required for any containers you choose. Not only the soil mixture, but also the pots must be treated with appropriate disinfectant solutions. Even the container for peat tablets should be decontaminated as well.

How eustoma is planted with seeds:

We take containers and fill them with a moistened earthen mixture.
We put the seeds on top (you can use a toothpick or a sharply sharpened match - for convenience), do not deepen it much, just press it a little into the soil.
Sprinkle with water from a spray bottle.
We cover the containers with plastic (or thin food) film so that it must transmit light.
Then the seedlings are transferred to a bright, warm place with an average air temperature of + 20 .. + 25 ° C. Advice - a south window is perfect for this. Sometimes it happens that the usual daylight hours are not enough for the harmonious development of plants. In this case, fluorescent lamps will come to your aid (i.e. additional illumination of seedlings). It is important that the plants do not start to stretch out from the lack of light!
Once a day, briefly lift the film and ventilate the seedlings, along the way, gently moistening the soil with a spray gun.
With the onset of night, you can move the containers to a cooler room, but with a not too significant temperature difference - this is not a prerequisite, but with the right approach it will not be superfluous.

If you do everything right, then the first small sprouts will appear in 10-12 days. After the eustoma-lisianthus has shown itself to the world, the protective film should be removed, irrigation should be moderated, the containers with plants should be transferred to a cooler room - with an air temperature of about +15 .. + 18 ° C. This flower is gaining growth slowly, the first true leaves appear after about a month and a half. By this time, it is already worth thinking about diving, although it is usually done two months after sowing.

Eustoma seedlings in the photo:

About diving:

Before diving, water the soil in containers with plants.
The fact is that even one seed can give 5 or 7 shoots, therefore, at a given time (2 months), the best, strongest representatives are selected, after which it should be very carefully, using a suitable miniature object, to remove the sprouts from the ground, and then transplant in individual pots or, again, in cups.
Do not forget about drainage - pour a thin layer of fine expanded clay or even foam balls on the bottom of the pot.
Deepening in the soil mixture can be done using an ordinary pencil, and the "operation" of the transplant itself using a metal manicure spatula, for example.
Lisianthus seedlings have a very delicate root system - remember this always, not only at the time of transplanting.
In the process of diving, bury the plant into the ground up to the very leaves.
After that, it is advisable to place the containers with flowers in a shaded place where the air temperature will be approximately +18 ° C.

In most cases, lisianthus tolerates the picking process very comfortably, so the adaptation period in a new place is successful and the plant begins to grow rather quickly. After two or three months (as the weather in your region will allow), the Irish rose is transplanted to a permanent place of residence - either in a room pot, or on a flower bed, a summer cottage. This must be done carefully, using the transshipment method, together with the earthy lump - there is nothing new here. For this process, it is better to choose late spring / early summer, when any frost is 100% excluded.

Lisianthus after a dive, photo:

↑ to content ↑ How to grow eustoma in peat tablets

If we pay attention to the method of planting lisianthus in peat tablets, then, I repeat, it is undoubtedly more convenient in all respects. Just take tablets of the appropriate size - for this plant you need a "circle" with a diameter of at least 5 cm. Further, I think, you will figure it out according to the instructions - the tablet is moistened with water at room temperature, swells to the required size, excess water is removed. The seed with the help of tweezers or a toothpick is placed in a specially designed hole, slightly pressed, irrigated with water from a spray bottle.

Eustoma - cultivation in peat tablets, photo:

Then, too, everything goes as usual - covering with a film (creating a kind of greenhouse), airing, placing in a warm and bright room. Everything is the same as in the case of planting in soil. But when the first small leaves appear, immediately put the pill in a plastic cup. Thus, the roots will not intertwine, and each Lisianthus will be in its place.

↑ to the content ↑ Eustoma lisianthus - we plant it in the ground

We already know that it is preferable to choose an unshaded place on the site. About the absence of winds and drafts - too. For planting in open ground, we choose a cloudy day or evening after sunset. The month is May or June, when sudden cold snaps will definitely not come. To release the plant from the pot, we use the transshipment method (remember the delicate root system of the eustoma). The distance between the bushes should be approximately 20-25 cm.

An Irish rose lisianthus is placed in a previously prepared hole along with a lump of earth, lightly sprinkled with soil and carefully squeezed. The hole itself should correspond in size to the size of the pot in which the flower grew. Its volumes should freely accommodate the extracted plant along with an earthen clod. By the way, additional protection of Lisianthus at the beginning of life "on earth" will not be superfluous - on a sunny day, cover the bushes with glass jars or cut plastic bottles. Eustoma blooms regardless of which month of winter or early spring you sowed the seeds. Around the middle of summer, in July, you can see the first flowers of this delicate and graceful flower.

↑ back to content ↑ Perennial eustoma - root planting

Due to the fragile and vulnerable root system, this plant cannot be propagated by dividing the bush into fragments or by cuttings (they do not germinate). As a last resort, ready-made seedlings can always be purchased in the appropriate flower shops. It reproduces only by sowing seeds, by growing seedlings - and nothing else. Lisianthus roots do not tolerate replanting, any sudden or incorrect movement can ruin the plant!

Sometimes it happens that novice growers under the concept of "Perennial Eustoma - planting by the root" mean precisely the division and subsequent planting of separated roots. Here it is necessary to clarify this small delusion, under the phrase "planting by the root" the usual action of transferring a plant into open ground with a "native" earthen lump and, naturally, roots formed in it, is often used. These two concepts should not be confused.

↑ to the content ↑ Eustoma - when to sow for seedlings in apartment conditions?

To grow this flower at home, sowing seeds can be done whenever you want! Eustoma seeds are tough-growing, so it is better to sow them on the growing moon. Suitable dates can be viewed in the moon phase calendar by month.

The main thing is to remember all the nuances, temperature conditions, backlighting (especially in winter) - and you will succeed. For potting at home, low-growing (dwarf) varieties of Lisianthus are used. The plant will feel more comfortable on those windows that face the east or west side. Bright, slightly diffused lighting is what you need for a room eustoma, but on the south window, especially at noon, it is better to arrange light shading. There is a high probability that the Irish rose on the north window will not be able to develop harmoniously and may wither from lack of sunlight. If you purchased a ready-made flower in a store, give it time to adapt, do not expose it immediately to direct sunlight, so that the leaves and flowers do not burn.

Make sure that when watering the water does not get on the flowers and buds, otherwise decay will not take long. In general, when watering, try to adhere to the golden mean - do not let the soil dry out, but also do not overmoisten it too abundantly. The optimal soil condition for irrigation at home is the formation of 1.5-2 cm of a dry upper layer of soil mixture in a pot. There should always be drainage in containers for a given plant; fine gravel, clean disinfected small pebbles or fine gravel can be placed on the bottom. In general, according to observations, home eustoma-lisianthus gives flowers best and feels comfortable in a slightly cool, well-ventilated room.

↑ to the content ↑ Caring for eustoma - recommendations

Adding to the above, we can recommend preventive irrigation procedures with special agents containing fungicides. Preparations "Topaz", "Saprol", "Topsin" will protect the plant from powdery mildew, fusarium, leaf spot, gray rot. Unfortunately, it is difficult to protect yourself from pests if the flowers grow outdoors. The main enemies of eustoma are whiteflies, slugs, aphids, miners, mushroom mosquitoes - such drugs as Mospilan, Aktara, Confidor and the well-proven Fitoverm successfully fight against these parasites.

Remember the love of Lisianthus for light and light shade, the east or west sides of the site are the best places for its growth. Water it sparingly, but regularly, do not wet the foliage when watering, so as not to provoke the appearance of gray mold and harmful fungi. Irrigation is no longer necessary for an adult flower, and water for irrigation, ideally, should be soft or settled. When the air temperature drops, the volumes of water for irrigation should be reduced. Sometimes, after planting in the ground, some gardeners recommend covering the plants with large plastic cups or cut plastic bottles for the first couple of weeks. It is recommended for the adaptation of the flower, getting used to a new place of residence, protection from drafts and winds, as well as to retain moisture in the upper layer of the soil.

After the eustoma-lisianthus fades, it begins a dormant period, life processes slow down and the plant seems to "fall asleep", stops growing.By this time, fertilizers should be completely eliminated, watering should be minimized, in a word - to give the flower a rest. In order for the Irish rose to delight you with its splendor next year, be sure to cut off all the branches, leaving at most two or three main points of tillering (branching).

↑ to the content ↑ Eustoma - growing, summing up

Wherever she grows up, she needs to create a comfortable environment. On the plot or at home, in the room - it should be good, then it will bloom and smell, please you with a healthy look. This plant is capable of producing peduncles throughout the entire flowering period, if the shoots are not cut at the root. But in warm regions, even such radical pruning can lead to the re-development of stems and flowers on them.

Perennial tall eustoma will decorate your site and the surrounding area, it will harmoniously combine with other flowers and shrubs, will remain fresh for a long time and will perfectly tolerate transportation in a cut form, if the situation requires it. Low-growing varieties will become a bright decoration of your home, balcony, window sill.

It must be remembered that the Irish rose is a plant that will inevitably wither away without moisture. Drying out of the soil should not be allowed in any case. Excessive waterlogging will also not lead to anything good - the plant will begin to ache, the roots may rot. Plowing the ground around the flower should be done carefully (remember the delicate roots), we naturally remove the weeds.

Reading, getting acquainted with all the nuances, it may seem that this is too troublesome business, and the lisianthus eustoma itself is a capricious and characteristic plant. In fact, this is not at all the case, any green inhabitant we cherish and cherish requires attention and care, sometimes individual. Trees, shrubs, any plants and flowers are creatures of nature, they are alive and also need comfortable living conditions. And the beautiful eustoma is not so different in terms of avoiding her neighbors with roses, fragrant hyacinths, surfinias and other decorations of our gardens and plots. There is hardly a florist or summer resident who does not like perennial eustoma with its delicate beauty, planting and care, photos of various varieties and shades will not leave anyone indifferent!

Someone uses summer cottages for growing vegetables and berries, someone creates beautiful flower beds. In the latter, you can often find eustoma.

Until recently, this flower was known only to professional florists, but today it has begun to gradually conquer Russian gardens as well.

general information

Eustoma ("Eustoma" from Latin "Beautiful mouth" or "Nice to speak") belongs to the Gentian family. The cultivated varieties have a second name "Lisianthus" from the Latin "Lisianthus" or "Bitter flower". Among the unofficial names are "Irish Rose", "Japanese Rose", "Texas Bell".

The homeland of the plant is considered to be the south of North America and the north of South America, Mexico, the islands of the Caribbean. Cultivated varieties can be found in almost every part of the world.

The plant has strong, but graceful, like a carnation, stems, the height of which reaches 60-100 cm. Starting from the middle, the stem branches into several branches, making one flower looks like a whole bouquet. Up to 30-35 flowers can grow on one stem. The leaves of the eustoma are dull, with a grayish tinge, the flowers are large, funnel-shaped, reaching 8 cm in diameter.

In the wild, there are flowers of blue shades, red, white, purple and yellow varieties have been artificially created, many of which have a border or pattern. The petals can be double or non-double.

It is interesting: the flower bud looks like a rose bud. Having blossomed, eustoma resembles a poppy.

The cut flower can stand in water for up to 3 weeks.

Depending on the lifespan, the species of lisianthus are divided into:

annuals: these are mainly garden flowers growing in summer cottages and intended for cutting;
biennials: all wild species;
perennial: plants that are quite difficult to care for, which are often grown in rooms and are not cut at all.

Indoor varieties are distinguished separately - they are distinguished by a small height, no more than 30 cm.

Popular varieties

According to their growth, all varieties can be divided into tall (they are grown in summer cottages and used for bouquets) and undersized (most often they are grown at home).

The first are:

"Flamenco". Reaches 120 cm, stems are strong, resilient, has rather large flowers (up to 8 cm) and a variety of colors. The main advantage is simplicity.
"Cinderella". Reaches 50 cm in height, flowers are pink and yellow, with double petals.
"ABC". They are represented by large double flowers of lilac, yellow and white, the latter have a pink or purple border.
"Echo". Offers early bloom and 11 colors, some of which are double. It grows up to 70 cm.
"Aurora". Reaches more than a meter in height, the first flowers appear half a month earlier than other varieties. Has blue, light blue, white and pink palettes, as well as terry options.
Twinkies. The flower grows up to 50 cm and has yellow, purple and pink petals.
"Heidi". It grows almost up to a meter. The flowers are simple in shape and about 15 flowers bloom profusely.
Magic. Japanese variety, height up to 80 cm, represented by pink, white and champagne flowers.

Among the undersized are:

"Loyalty". White eustoma up to 20 cm high, flowers are simple, arranged in a spiral on the stem;
"Matador". An undemanding variety with double flowers of white, blue and pink shades;
Mermaid. ("Mermaid"). The height is 10-15 cm, the diameter of the flowers reaches 6 cm. Available in white, pink, purple and blue;
Florida Pink. Pink flowers growing at about the same level. By cutting off such a bush (its height is only 20 cm), you can get a bouquet;
"Little Bell". A small plant only 15 cm tall, with simple, funnel-shaped flowers;
"Sapphire". It is represented by low-growing varieties, growing up to 15 cm. It has double and simple flowers of different shades, some varieties have a contrasting border.

Houses

Depending on the place of disembarkation, the methods of its implementation also differ.

Note: at home, you need to plant a plant in the second half of summer or at the beginning of autumn, then the flowers will bloom in the middle of winter.

To do this, use a mixture of sand and peat or soil for violets, into which seeds are thrown. Then the container is covered with glass or foil and placed in a warm place. The temperature should be around 20-22 degrees. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the ground and moisten it, it is also worth installing additional lighting for 10-12 hours.

It is worth considering: it is not necessary to calcine the seeds in the oven, following the example of other plants - this will only damage them.

After 6-8 weeks, when shoots appear, watering must be reduced and transferred to the morning, the earth should dry out slightly between waterings. At this time, the glass can already be removed. When 2-3 leaves appear on the sprouts, they are transplanted into separate containers.

Instead of containers with soil, peat tablets with a diameter of about 5 cm can be used. The tablets are compressed peat, which is placed in a container and slightly moistened. With the help of tweezers, a seed is placed in the center of each tablet, slightly pressing in, then the container is covered with glass and removed to a warm place. After germination, each tablet is transferred to a separate cup and grown separately.

In the country

In the open field, lisianthus is usually planted with seedlings, which are grown in advance according to the method described above. It is necessary to sow seeds at the end of winter so that in May-June, when the cold weather recedes, they can be transplanted. To do this, pits 10-15 cm deep are dug under each flower at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other.The pits are watered with water or a solution of pink manganese, then the flowers are transplanted together with the earth from the pot.

In the first 2-3 weeks, the sprouts should be covered with a plastic jar to create a greenhouse effect, and regularly raised for several hours. When the flowers get stronger, the banks are removed, and a month after sowing, they are fertilized with a universal fertilizer for flowers.

Take into account: the concentration of fertilizer should be a quarter weaker than that indicated on the package.

Depending on the planting, flowers may appear already in the middle of summer, or the appearance may drag on until autumn, but in any case, flowering does not stop until mid-October. The plant is frost-resistant and easily survives autumn frosts down to -10 degrees. If flowering happened too early, you need to cut the flowers and wait - perhaps in 1.5 months the bush will bloom again.

Root

Eustoma has an extremely weak root system. It is easy to damage it, which in turn will lead to the death of the entire plant, and the taken pieces almost never take root.

It's important to know: Basically, root propagation for Lisianthus is not practiced, and the eustoma rhizomes sold are often the roots of other perennials, such as phlox. Having bought them and dropped them off, you can be very disappointed in the result.

The same applies to bulbs: eustoma is not a bulbous plant, so selling the tubers of this plant is cheating buyers. The flower propagates only by seeds and seedlings, which are grown from seeds.

Growing features

Eustoma is quite whimsical and capricious in planting. At home, a cool room with constant access to fresh air is suitable for her, in the garden - a brightly lit place, but without direct sunlight.

It is better to use a mixture of humus and peat as a soil. The plant tolerates drought well, it is often not worth watering: the earth should dry out slightly.

Note: eustoma is quite bad about transplanting, since its roots are too fragile, so replanting the bush is only worthwhile in extreme cases and this should be done with the transfer of the entire earthen coma to a new pot.

When growing a plant at home, it is best to install a pot on the west or east window, regularly ventilate the room, but do not freeze it - the temperature should not be lower than +19 degrees. Regular watering with settled water will be required, but you do not need to spray the leaves and petals: this will only harm them and cause illness. During growth and flowering, feeding with complex fertilizers is recommended. Dry leaves and wilted flowers must be removed regularly.

Regular pruning of the bushes can stimulate the formation of new flowers. You need to cut flowers with a sharp tool obliquely in the morning, when it is cool. After cutting, the bushes should be watered and fed in order to encourage the plant to grow further. After 4-6 weeks, new buds will flaunt at the cut site.

Diseases and pests

Enemies of Lisianthus are aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and slugs. All of them infect leaves and shoots, because of which they dry out and fall off early. Also, aphids are a carrier of dangerous diseases, due to which an epidemic can begin.

Among the diseases are:

Gray rot: occurs when there is an excess of moisture, easily recognizable by a grayish bloom on leaves and shoots and by dark spots. When it appears, the leaves begin to dry quickly and fall off. It is important to remember that it is easily transmitted through the air, and therefore, when signs appear on one bush, it is necessary to check all the others.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease caused by an abundance of moisture. It manifests itself as a plaque on the leaves, quickly spreads throughout the plant.

For the prevention of diseases and the removal of insects, it is necessary to regularly spray flowers with special preparations.It is best to do this in the spring, when the leaves appear, and in the summer, when the peak comes.

Wintering

After flowering has stopped, the plant must be prepared for wintering. In indoor varieties, the stems must be cut, leaving only 2-3 internodes on each stem. Then they are transferred to a cool place, the temperature of which does not rise above +15 degrees.

Feeding lisianthus is not required, watering should also be moderate. In the spring, when new shoots appear on the trunk, watering and feeding can be resumed.

Most garden varieties are annuals, but you can try to extend their life. To do this, in the fall, the bushes are transplanted into pots with garden soil and transferred to a cool place. When the leaves are completely dry, they are also cut and set in the cold, where they overwinter.

An Indian legend says that once the evil spirit of war offered an innocent girl to become his wife, but she refused him. Angry, the spirit killed her, and a few days later eustoma blossomed on the grave, which is easy to grow in our latitudes. Before you buy a flower, you should watch a few videos that show how to properly care for a plant.

Watch a video in which an experienced florist talks about the features of growing eustoma in the garden and at home:

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Date of publication:Landing in open ground