Eustoma planting and care in the open field in the Urals

Eustoma is very much like a rose in appearance. They are even called Irish roses. Although the family to which they belong is in no way associated with the regal flower.

This plant is native to South America with a warm and humid climate. This fact must be taken into account when planting and caring for a flower.

Characteristics of a gentian plant

In nature, eustoma is perennial, but in our conditions it is grown mainly as an annual.Sometimes in the fall, the plant is brought indoors and continues to grow as an indoor flower.

Flowers in Lisianthus (this is another name for this plant) have a very different color. They can be solid or have colored borders on white petals. There are simple and double flowers. But they are all similar in shape to rose flowers.

Breeders have developed many varieties and hybrids of Lisianthus. The height of the eustoma bushes, which is grown for cutting, reaches 50-70 cm. But there are undersized bushes up to 30 cm high. They can be grown as a houseplant.

Not only the lisianthus flowers are beautiful, but also its leaves. They have an ellipsoidal shape, the original bluish color and seem to be covered with wax. The stem is dense and starts branching from about the middle of its height. So just one such flower can replace a whole bouquet.

Growing lisianthus seedlings

How to grow eustoma from seeds? Growing eustoma from seeds is similar to growing petunia or lobelia seedlings. The flower has such tiny seeds that they, like lobelia seeds, are sown in a slightly tamped substrate. The seedling soil can be prepared independently from peat with the addition of a small amount of sand and charcoal. Of the ready-made soil mixtures, the substrate for Saintpaulias is best suited.

Growing and caring for Lisianthus seedlings is a very painstaking business.

Watering requires special attention. The substrate in which the seedlings are grown must be constantly moist, but not wet. Otherwise, the seeds will not germinate. It is also important to observe the correct light and temperature conditions. The container for growing seedlings must be placed in the brightest place and covered with transparent film or glass. The temperature for seed germination should be between 22-25 degrees.

Some of the florists advise not to cover the container with plastic and place it in a cold place. They recommend doing this so that a rosette does not form before the appearance of two pairs of true leaves, as a result of which the growth of seedlings will slow down.

Try sowing lisianthus in 2 containers. Cover one of them with foil and keep warm, and the other, on the contrary, leave open and place in a cold place.Then you can see for yourself which method of growing lisianthus seedlings is more effective.

The first shoots will appear one and a half to two weeks after sowing. The seedlings will develop slowly at first. In this case, you cannot leave them without glass or film. But it is imperative to ventilate. Only gradually is it necessary to "accustom" the seedlings to growing in the open air, so that they can adapt.

It is important not to forget about enough light for the seedlings. If the sprouts begin to stretch out, it is imperative to use artificial lighting. This can be done using special Flora lamps or a regular fluorescent lamp.

One and a half to two months after germination, the seedlings will reach a size of 1.5-2 cm. At this time, they can be dived. You can remove the seedlings for diving into the pots with a small mustard spoon. Together with a lump of earth, 4-5 sprouts are moved into a pot with a diameter of about 7 centimeters into holes prepared in the ground. After that, the plants need to be slightly shaded and kept at a temperature of about 18 degrees.

Since the Irish rose blooms 15-20 weeks after germination, sowing seeds for seedlings should be carried out in winter, in February.

Planting and caring for Lisianthus is often difficult for young growers with little experience.

Eustoma: feeding and care (video)

Transplant to open ground

In the garden where the eustoma flower will grow, you need to find a slightly shaded place for it. Planting and care should be such as not to harm the plant. The root system of these flowers is very delicate and vulnerable, so the plants need to be transplanted in a transplanting manner.

An eustoma, which is planted in poorly heated soil, will either die, or the budding of flower buds will not occur on it. In order to be able to transplant lisianthuses from home conditions into open ground conditions, the earth must warm up to a temperature of 16 degrees. Typically, the soil reaches this temperature in mid - late June.

In order for high-quality flower buds to be laid on the stems, the plants should not be thickened. Up to 60 plants can be planted on one square meter. But more rare planting and caring for flowers will make it possible to get even better flowering lisianthuses.

The Irish rose will produce beautiful and abundant flowers if the soil underneath is light and well fertilized during the growing period. Complexes consisting of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are especially important. You can also feed with a solution of mullein or chicken droppings. Complex fertilizers should be applied every week.

Timely and correct watering is also important for eustoma flowers. It is best to do this in a drip method. But for drip irrigation, you must have special equipment. In its absence, watering can be carried out simultaneously with spraying the plants. During the period when the plant is actively developing, watering should be more abundant.

The cultivation of this amazingly beautiful plant is not up to every amateur florist. But if you have perseverance, hard work and a great desire, then you will not buy cut eustoma, but you yourself will be able to cut it in your own garden to present an amazing bouquet of your own production for any occasion.

Eustoma: the secrets of successful cultivation (video)

Gallery: growing eustoma (15 photos)

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 seedlings did not appear 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 an all-purpose seedling mix 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 ° С, a slight decrease is recommended at night, but the temperature should not fall below 14 ° С.

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 clod.
• 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 the 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, you can stimulate a second wave. 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 resumption of 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.

Eustoma is one of the finest decorative flowering plants grown not only in the garden, but also at home. This amazing flower of the gentian family has many names - lisianthus, Irish rose, Texas bell or Japanese rose.

Content:

1. When to sow eustoma seedlings
2. Eustoma outdoor cultivation
3. Perennial eustoma: planting and care
4. Care during cultivation
5. Diseases and pests

The charming eustoma flower photo and description of which you will find in this article cannot but conquer with its grace, tenderness and charming beauty. In addition, caring for him is quite simple and affordable.

In the wild, this rose-like flower can be found in the southern regions of America, Mexico and the Caribbean. This plant is very popular with cut flower growers. After cutting, the flowers stand in the water for a long time, retaining their decorative effect for several weeks.

It is a plant with massive stems very similar to those of a carnation. Branching of shoots starts from the middle of the length. Therefore, during the flowering period, each branch looks like a whole bouquet. About 30-35 flowers can bloom on one shoot. Moreover, they are revealed one by one. Each flower has a funnel-shaped, rather large and deep calyx.

The leaves of the flower are lanceolate or oval, grayish-bluish hue. Due to the variety of varieties, the color of flowers is very diverse - from snow-white to dark burgundy. Among them there are also two-colored species with double or simple flowers.

Is eustoma an annual or a perennial? In its natural environment, it is a biennial plant. In the country or in the garden, this flower is grown as an annual. At home, this plant is used as a perennial.

Depending on the purpose of cultivation, eustoma is divided into two varieties - these are tall species growing on a cut and low-growing plants for planting at home.

The first group includes:

• 
  Aurora is a terry tall species, reaching 1-1.2 m in height. Terry Aurora blooms with blue, white, blue or pink flowers. It is prized for long, abundant and early flowering that starts a couple of weeks earlier than other species.
• Echo is a medium-sized garden culture, up to 70 cm high with spreading branches and large flowers. This is one of the early flowering hybrids. The Echo variety has many varieties, among which there are monochromatic and two-colored species.
• 
  Heidi is a tall flower reaching 1 m in height. It blooms profusely with simple flowers. In a cultivated form, it has over 15 varieties.
• 
  Flamenco is a large plant 1-1.3 m high with strong stems and large simple flowers. This variety is appreciated for its ease of care and a variety of shade variations.

The group of undersized indoor species is represented by:

• Mermaid is a compact miniature species, the maximum height of which is 15 cm. It blooms with simple flowers of snow-white, blue, light pink or lilac color. Mermaid is a densely branching plant, so it does not need to be pinched during cultivation.
• Little Bell. Just like the previous hybrid, it reaches 15 cm in height. This hybrid blooms with simple, small, funnel-shaped flowers. It is appreciated for the abundance of flowering and the variety of color palette.
• Fidelity is a snow-white variety with numerous small flowers arranged in a spiral on the flower arrow. The height of the flower is no more than 20 cm.
• Florida Pink is an indoor eustoma that blooms profusely with light pink flowers and forms a beautifully aligned bouquet.

The most popular among florists is the large-flowered eustoma. This is a spectacular plant with beautiful, large, skirt-shaped flowers located on long peduncle arrows. This variety looks great in the flowerbed and in the cut.

There are a great many varieties of large-flowered eustoma - these are varieties with purple, lilac, snow-white, light yellow, purple, blue and purple-red flowers. Depending on the type, the flowers are double or non-double. The foliage is gray-green, covered with a light waxy bloom. Depending on the variety, the height of the flowers varies from 15 cm to 1.6 m.

When to sow eustoma seedlings

This amazingly beautiful plant is grown using seeds. Planting seed material for seedlings is carried out at the end of December - at the beginning of January. Planting at such a time makes it possible to get flowering plants already in the middle of summer.

For planting seeds, use disposable plastic cups with a volume of 50 ml. They are filled with potting soil for indoor Saintpaulias. The seeds are laid out on the soil surface, pressing lightly. 3-4 seeds are consumed per container. In order for the seedlings to germinate successfully, they are covered with a film, thus creating greenhouse conditions.

Further care of the plantings until the emergence of seedlings consists in periodic ventilation, which is arranged at least 1 time in 10 days. At a temperature of 23-25 ​​degrees, seedlings germinate in two weeks.

For the first two months, the sprouts need additional lighting with fluorescent lamps. At the end of winter, young seedlings are transferred to a sunny place.

To protect young specimens from damage by diseases and pests, spraying with a Fundazole solution is carried out (1/2 teaspoon of the substance is dissolved in 0.5 liters of water). To stimulate growth, seedlings are sprayed with Zircon or Epin.

The first picking of seedlings is done at the stage of appearance of one pair of leaves. Plants are transplanted into larger containers, several pieces together. During the picking process, the lower leaves of the plants must be completely submerged in the soil. After planting, the seedlings are watered and covered with foil.

A week later, the seedlings will start to grow and double in size. At the beginning of March, the second picking of seedlings into pots with a diameter of 8-10 cm is carried out. The transplant is carried out by the method of transshipment of an earthen coma. A good layer of expanded clay drainage is laid at the bottom of the planting container with drainage holes.
After transplanting, the plants require abundant watering and good lighting without direct sunlight. The next transplant of seedlings grown from seeds is carried out in the open field in the country or in the garden.

You can grow this flower from a bulb. You can buy planting material in any farm that grows this flower.

Growing eustoma outdoors

The ideal time for planting eustoma outdoors is early June. Just by this time, the threat of the last frost has passed. The planting of this exotic in the open field is carried out by the seedling method.

Many growers prefer to use purchased seedlings, since growing their own seedlings is a time-consuming process and is not always justified.

A month after planting, namely by the end of July, the plants successfully take root in the new growth conditions. Shortly after that, the eustoma begins a flowering period, which lasts until the very cold weather.

Despite the fact that this is a light-loving plant, direct sunlight is contraindicated for it, which can quickly burn its delicate flowers and foliage. Therefore, the seedlings are planted in a shaded place at a distance of 20 cm from each other.

To achieve re-flowering, at the end of summer, the branches of the eustoma are pruned, leaving small stumps with one pair of leaves. In the beginning of October, you can expect a second flowering of this culture.

Despite the fact that it is an annual plant, some gardeners manage to keep it until next spring. The bushes are dug up, transplanted into pots and transferred to a warm room for the winter. To facilitate this procedure, some growers initially plant eustoma in pots, drop it in the garden in the summer, and take it indoors in the fall.

Perennial eustoma: planting and care

Subject to all the rules of agricultural technology, the cultivation of a potted eustoma as a perennial has positive success in home floriculture. This method is especially effective for growing a flower in the regions of the middle lane - in the Urals and Siberia.

Since eustoma is a thermophilic plant and practically does not tolerate cold weather. The ideal place for keeping this exotic at home is a well-lit window sill protected from the scorching sun.

The rules for growing an indoor specimen are not much different from the rules for growing garden species.

To plant this flower in an apartment, you will need a special soil mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions. Seeds are sown in any flower pot or container filled with nutrient medium.

The seed is spread out on the surface of the soil by pressing lightly. After that, the seedlings are watered and moistened with a spray bottle. For quick and successful germination, the crops are covered with transparent polyethylene.

The first shoots will appear in two weeks. For convenience, many growers plant eustoma seeds in peat tablets. Crop care consists in periodic spraying. After the emergence of sprouts, the soil is moistened only in the morning in order to avoid the appearance of the "black leg" disease.

As soon as the seedlings release one pair of leaves, they dive into separate containers. The first flowering of a room eustoma can be expected in late January - early February.

Growing this exotic at home is painstaking work, nevertheless, it is worth it. Growing indoors, a tropical flower needs proper care - frequent ventilation, good lighting and a stable temperature regime - within 18-22 degrees.

Care during cultivation

It is recommended to water the room eustoma with warm, settled water and only after the top layer of the earth has dried. This flower does not need spraying. Excessive waterlogging of the aboveground part can provoke the appearance of diseases and pests.

Like most indoor flowers, eustoma responds well to feeding. How to properly feed this flower at home? Top dressing for this culture is applied during the period of active growth and formation of flower buds. For this, liquid complex fertilizers are used in low concentration. 10 ml of the substance is dissolved in one bucket of water.

In addition, the main care for the eustoma at home includes the regular removal of faded buds, yellowed and dried leaves. Subject to these simple conditions, after three months the eustoma will delight with repeated, lush and colorful flowering.

A faded houseplant is cut off, leaving part of the shoots with one pair of internodes. Cropped specimens are transferred to a cool room with a temperature of 12-15 degrees. During this period, the plants enter a dormant period, so they cease to be fed and watered less often. With the arrival of spring, when the growing season begins for flowers, they are transplanted into a new soil and all care procedures are resumed.

Reproduction of this flower, as well as cultivation, is carried out using seeds. Vegetative propagation of eustoma, that is, by cuttings, failed, therefore the seed method was recognized as the most effective.

Diseases and pests

• This plant is very often affected by pests and diseases. The most inveterate enemies of eustoma are the greenhouse whitefly, aphids and slugs. The fight against harmful insects is carried out using chemicals - Confidor, Aktellik, Aktara or Fitoverm.
• To protect this ornamental flowering plant in the open field, flower growers carry out regular preventive treatments with Fundazol or Ridomil Gold. They protect flowers from fusarium wilting, powdery mildew and gray mold - the most dangerous diseases of eustoma.

Subject to all the rules of planting, care, in optimal conditions of detention, you can grow any of the above-described varieties of eustoma, which will delight with its lush and bright flowering not only in the garden, but also in room conditions.

Marina Makarova

Eustoma is a beautiful flower with an unusual character.In an open type of ground, it does not need intense moisture and an abundance of light. The flowering culture begins almost immediately after planting on the site, in July, and continues until October. These features have made eustoma one of the most popular flowers for home growing. Experts give recommendations and photo instructions on how to plant a plant correctly, organize its care, carry out reproduction and prevent diseases.

Description and characteristics of eustoma

This flower is also called the Irish rose, although it is native to the dry steppes of Central America. In Europe, eustoma has been grown for a long time, not only in the open field, but also in a room format, in pots. The large-flowered Roussel variety has the most striking decorative properties. Hybrid series Echo, Kyoto, Cinderella, Mermaid are also in demand. Eustoma characteristics:

• height - about 60-90 cm, an adult plant looks like a bush;
• flower size - on average 7–8 cm in diameter, maximum - up to 15 cm;

Eustoma - Irish rose

• color - all shades of blue, white, pink and yellow;
• flowers can be double or non-double;
• leaves are gray with a characteristic waxy coating.

Attention! On one bush, eustoma can dissolve up to 35 buds at a time. Each of them looks like a poppy in full bloom or a half-opened rose.

The versatility of eustoma is that undersized varieties look attractive in pots or as border plants. Tall flowers are grown for cutting. In addition to attractiveness, they are distinguished by high vitality rates in a vase. If the flowers are not cut, the eustoma will bloom for about 3 months, gradually releasing new buds to replace the faded ones.

Attention! Under certain conditions of care, the eustoma will be a two- or three-year-old plant.

Features of planting eustoma in the open field

The optimal time for planting seedlings of plants on the site is the first days of July. In the middle of summer, young specimens will reach maximum readiness for rooting in street soil and will bloom almost immediately.

Eustoma shoots

For this to happen, consider the following when landing:

1. Choose a place for the eustoma without exposure to midday sunlight - shade or partial shade.
2. Do not plant the flower near objects that will reflect the rays of the sun on it.
3. The interval between shoots is from 20 cm.
4. The culture does not like high humidity and abundant watering. Do not plant it under the edge of a roof canopy or gutter to prevent water from stagnating in the ground when it rains.
5. The garden soil at the planting site must have good drainage and a neutral reaction. Wood ash added directly to the holes will help to cope with increased acidity.
6. Apply store-bought flower fertilizer or nitrophosphate to the seedling holes.

How to properly care for eustoma

In caring for an ornamental plant, it is important to maintain the level of soil drainage by regularly loosening and removing weeds. It is not necessary to water the eustoma with a large amount of water: small, but regular doses are enough. Drip irrigation is ideal for this flower. After watering, be sure to cover the root zone with mulch. If you go through with the volume of water, the root of the plant will surely be affected by the fungus. If the soil is overdried, the eustoma will shed its buds.

Attention! Watering is carried out strictly on the plant.

Other nuances of proper flower care:

1. Up to twice a month, he needs a light feeding with complex fertilizers.
2. The stems of tall varieties are not strong enough to hold a ripe bud. Tie them to a support.
3. To prolong flowering, check and remove faded or tainted buds.

Blooming eustoma may need support

The flower dies even with minimal frost. To preserve the plant for next season, transplant it into a container filled with garden soil in October. Further, two ways are possible:

1. Move the container to the room.Flowering may continue, although not as intensely as in summer.
2. Trim the peduncles so that only a couple of internodes remain on them. Place the container in a bright room with low humidity at a temperature of about + 10 ° C. Water while keeping the soil slightly moist. Increase the dose of water in February.

In early summer, the flower can be returned to an area under the open sky. Be prepared for the fact that when moving from the street to a warm room, the plant may begin to wither. Don't be alarmed, this is an adaptation. To help the flower overcome stress, keep watering to a minimum.

Attention! In the second season, eustoma blooms less.

Features of growing eustoma in Siberia

To get eustoma flowers in the open field in the Siberian climate, you need to sow them for seedlings in the fall. The seedling technology does not differ from the usual one. However, growing seedlings in winter requires additional lighting. Seedlings dive after the second leaf grows.

Advice. Use small pots that can hold 3 sprouts. Also cover the containers with plastic wrap.

Increase watering for the adaptation period. Then sprinkle a couple of lower leaves with soil. In March, the seedlings require re-transplanting into wider pots with drainage. It is better to move the root by rolling. Wait for the warmth outside and plant the flowers outdoors.

Diseases and pests of eustoma

A tropical flower attracts little pests, but when neglected it can be infected with whitefly, thrips, slugs or spider mites. Eustoma is sensitive to some pathogens and fungal infections. The flower can be struck by fusarium, false gray rot, powdery mildew, late blight, root rot, tobacco mosaic. Most of them appear when waterlogged, if water stagnation at the root is allowed. For example, in a rainy summer. Preventive measures:

• repeated spraying with phytosporin or foundationol in case of negative factors;
• protection of seedlings from water ingress.

Eustoma in landscape design

Reproduction of eustoma at home

Eustoma seeds, like ready-made seedlings, can be bought at the store. Flower mix is ​​also available for sale. Purchase a special medium for Saintpaulias. You can cook it with your own hands by mixing:

• 1/3 garden soil;
• 1/3 coarse sand;
• 1/3 humus;
• a small proportion of lime.

Start work in February-March. Prepare small containers and fill them with slightly moistened soil. Make a greenhouse for the seeds of film or glass. The optimum temperature for good development of seedlings is + 22 ... 25 ° С during the day and about + 20 ° С at night. Place the seeds on the ground, about 15 cm apart.

Advice. In warm regions, where the soil warms up earlier, seeds can be sown directly into the soil on the site. The technology is the same.

Expect the first shoots after 1.5-2 weeks. Air them once a week. After the seedling has a third leaf, it can be dived. This occurs approximately 6–8 weeks after the seedlings hatch. Work very carefully, as the root of the young plant is easily damaged.

Eustoma will bloom only 90–120 days after germination. If the flower shoots are cut at the end of summer, then after about a month you can wait for re-flowering.

Growing eustoma from seeds: video