Can eustoma be grown as a perennial plant?

Eustoma (lisianthus) is a flower about which one could say "a long forgotten past." Previously, it was very popular, but, perhaps, due to the long growth, the flower was no longer cultivated in gardens and on window sills. Only in the last 5-7 years has interest in lisianthus appeared, making it the most popular crop among flower growers. The buds and blossoming flowers of this plant are the embodiment of tenderness that every grower awaits with awe, planting barely visible seeds, and waiting for the first flowers to appear for at least six months. Outwardly, the flowers resemble rosebuds, which became the basis for calling this flower popularly the French (Japanese, Irish) rose, as well as the Texas bell. But is it really that difficult to grow lisianthus in the garden or at home? What are the nuances of planting, growing and caring for annual and perennial plant varieties?

Description of eustoma as a culture + where it is better to cultivate it

Eustoma grows in South America and partially in Mexico in the wild. In specialized stores, gardeners will be offered dozens of its varieties of all kinds of colors - this is the result of the work of breeders, since in nature there is an eustoma of the same color - purple. The plant belongs to the Gentian family. Its more ancient botanical name is lisianthus, but now it has begun to be used even more often than the modern "eustoma".

Eustoma of different varieties in a vase

According to The Plant List database, the genus includes 3 species:

• Lesser Eustoma, Lesser Gentian, Western Gentian, Blue Marsh Eustoma (Eustoma exaltatum);
• Eustoma grandiflorum (Eustoma grandiflorum);
• Lisianthus, Eustoma Roussel, or Russell (Eustoma russellianum).

Terry eustoma resembles a rose

In nature, wild eustoma grows for 2 years, the same amount of time, provided certain conditions are provided, it can be grown in central Russia. After two years, the eustoma still remains viable under certain wintering conditions, but its former beauty disappears: the flowers decrease, deform, the bushes stretch out. Modern varieties of eustoma differ not only in a variety of colors, double or non-double flowers, but also in plant height (from 30 to 90 centimeters). It is the height that determines the place where the lisianthus is grown. As a rule, a tall eustoma is grown for cutting, but a low-growing one will show itself better in a room pot.

Wild form of eustoma

Irish (French) rose - another name for eustoma, belongs to the family of bitters. This is the first rival of the rose to become the queen in your garden. The flowers of the plant can be double or funnel-shaped, and its leaves are gray-gray with a waxy bloom. Incompletely blooming flowers resemble rosebuds outwardly, and non-double varieties, revealing flowers, resemble a bell or a poppy. The eustoma has strong and even stems that start branching from the middle. One properly grown independent plant can replace a full-fledged bouquet, on which up to 30–40 buds are formed. Peduncles of any type of eustoma are long. The cut eustoma flower stays fresh for several weeks.

Mma eustoma is varied: blue, white, pink, red, lilac, yellow, with a rim flowers

Benefits of annual and perennial eustoma varieties

In the homeland, eustoma grows as a biennial plant, but in central Russia it is grown as an annual. You can extend the life of a bush if you bring it indoors in the fall where the temperature does not drop below ten degrees. The plant will plunge into a state of dormancy, but in the spring it will delight you with new young shoots. Although the option of two-year cultivation is not given to every gardener. Based on numerous reviews, lisianthus simply dries up in the fall.

View of the awakened eustoma in a pot after winter dormancy

The advantage of growing eustoma for two years is undeniable. Firstly, the cost of seeds - their price is high, and in a standard bag from 5 to 10 pieces, but no one can guarantee the germination of 100% of seeds; secondly, growing from seeds is a very lengthy process that requires constant attention to seedlings and young seedlings.

Eustoma - the embodiment of tenderness

Popular tall and short flower varieties

The genus Eustoma includes three species, of which two are cultivated as ornamental plants on windowsills and in gardens: Eustoma russellianum and Eustoma grandiflorum. In many floriculture guides, these two species are combined into one, calling it Lisianthus. Eustoma Roussel hybrids and cultivars are also called Lisianthus Roussel or simply - Lisianthus. Therefore, "lisianthus" and "eustoma" are one and the same plant with two names.

Lisianthus and large-flowered eustoma are one and the same plant

Unscrupulous sellers may offer eustoma or rhizome bulbs to inexperienced gardeners, even naming a variety consisting of exotic words. Eustoma reproduces only by sowing seeds and does not belong to bulbous, but damage to the root leads to the death of the plant. Likewise, breeders have not been able to bring out the curly eustoma to date. Under the guise of a weaving lisianthus, the gardener, at best, will receive a weaving or park rose. The only way of reproduction is seeds indoors, so when buying an already grown eustoma, you need to focus on its appearance and buds.

The root system of the eustoma is fibrous. The bush does not propagate by dividing the root

Table: the most popular varieties of Lisianthus and their description

Popular varieties of eustoma in the photo

Growing eustoma in the garden and in the country

The fruits of the breeders' work allow gardeners to grow eustoma as an annual plant in the garden. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the most active growing season falls on the warm season (April-October).

Eustoma grows near the house

Reproduction methods

In nature, eustoma reproduces by self-seeding. This is the most reliable way of its reproduction, which was chosen by the leading flower growers of the world. Some sources also mention reproduction by dividing the bush and cuttings. But rarely does anyone succeed in breeding eustoma in the last two ways. When dividing the rhizome, the plant will almost certainly die, and its division will suffer the same fate. The fact is that Lisianthus does not respond well to transplantation, let alone root division. Its root system is too delicate. Despite the myth that eustoma is cuttings, it was not possible to find a single positive experience in this method of breeding lisianthus.

The root system of the eustoma is too delicate even for transplanting, which will slow down the development of the plant for a while

In order to admire the beautiful eustoma in the garden in the summer, it is necessary to sow the seeds in late autumn or early winter.... It is better to plant each grain in a separate container in order to disturb the seedlings as little as possible. Sowing seeds for seedlings in October is guaranteed to give a result in the form of flowering in July. Eustoma is one of the longest growing annuals at the seeding and sprouting stage. Only with the arrival of heat does it actively begin to grow.

The seeds of the eustoma are very small, so the producers from the pelleted

In open ground, as a rule, eustoma is not sown, since the plant simply does not have time to bloom before the cold weather.

Sowing stages

1. Any drainage is poured into common or separate containers, then nutrient soil. Eustoma grows well on slightly acidic soils, so, for example, soil for violets is suitable for it.

Drainage at the bottom of the pot is guaranteed to deal with stagnant water

2. Spread the seeds in a moderately moist soil, barely burying them into the soil (no more than a millimeter). The seeds of eustoma are small, so producers dragee them, making them more convenient for planting.

With the help of a toothpick, the seeds are lifted and transferred to the soil, barely deepening them

3. Spray the soil and cover with a transparent film. Direct sunlight should not be allowed - they immediately dry out barely hatched seeds.

The container with the planted seeds is covered with cling film or glass

4. In order to prevent the appearance of mold, it is important to air the seedlings daily by removing the film for 15 minutes. The temperature should not drop below 20 degrees both during the day and at night.

It is necessary to remove the film for 15 minutes every day, otherwise there is a great risk of mold.

5. It is not recommended to water the soil at the initial stages of seed germination. For this, daily spraying of the topsoil is suitable.

Spraying from a spray bottle at the stage of seed germination

6. Arm yourself with patience! Eustoma seeds, despite their almost invisible size, germinate for a very long time - from two weeks to a month. And at the stage of two leaves, they can stay even longer. It seems that the eustoma has completely stopped developing, but do not worry - it is building up the root system at this time.

The eustoma can be in this state for several weeks - the period of building up the root system

7. At the stage of the first three or four true leaves, use a complex mineral fertilizer twice a month.

At this stage of development, the eustoma needs to be fed with mineral complex fertilizers.

8. Do not get carried away with spraying seedlings. Waterlogging can lead to the onset of fungal diseases.

Video: Sowing eustoma seeds

Care in the garden from the moment of planting seedlings in open ground until autumn

With the arrival of stable heat, when the temperature at night does not drop below 15 degrees Celsius, and during the day - not below 20, eustoma can be safely moved to the garden to the rest of the plants. For this, the transfer from the pot to the ground is carried out very carefully. A light place is suitable for eustoma, but the plant reacts poorly to the scorching sun. Shading or planting with taller bushes will protect the lisianthus from the sun and create an excellent garden composition. Also, water stagnation should not be allowed. It should be noted that the eustoma perfectly holds the bush even after heavy rain.

Eustoma planted in open ground

How to care during growth and flowering

During active growth, eustoma is regularly loosened, the soil is kept moist with systemic irrigation, or mulched with bark, straw and other materials.

Healthy eustoma bushes outdoors

During flowering, the mineral fertilizer complex should be directed towards flowering - a large amount of potassium should be included in the composition. Tall eustomas need a support that will protect the stem from the pressure created by the large number of buds on the flower. In order to prolong flowering, wilted flowers are cut from the branch so that the plant does not waste energy on ripening the seeds.

Video: Growing and caring for eustoma in a pot

What to do next after flowering? When and how to collect seeds for storage

After the eustoma has faded, the entire ground part is cut off from it, leaving it in the ground. It is easy to collect seeds from eustoma. To do this, the first buds that appear on the branch are left to the stage of complete wilting, so that they mature and dry out. The seed capsule is carefully cut and transferred to a container with a solid bottom. Manufacturers usually offer hybrid forms of eustoma, which are designated "F1". This is the "child" of several crossed "grandmothers" and "grandfathers", and then - "moms" and "dads". Breeders keep in the strictest confidence which varieties were crossed to get the flower that you managed to grow from a small seed. Therefore, by sowing the seeds of the hybrid, you will most likely see completely different types of eustoma or many different other species that took part in the selection of the hybrid. If on a bag of seeds there is no “F1” at the end of the variety name, then the “children” of such a plant will fully reflect the external characteristics of their “parent”.

Cannot harvest seeds from F1 hybrids

Preparing eustoma for winter

When the eustoma fades, and the approach of winter becomes more and more distinct, it is left to winter in the garden. The plant completely dies at the slightest first frost.

With the arrival of frost, the eustoma completely dies

But you can save the bush, which next year will again delight you with flowering. To do this, the eustoma is dug up, placed in a pot and carried away for the winter in a room where the temperature is 15 degrees. At higher temperatures, the bush may turn yellow and then dry out. Lower temperatures will also kill the plant. During winter, lisianthus enters a state of dormancy - this is the inevitable life cycle of a two-year-old. At the same time, watering is reduced as much as possible, keeping the soil in a barely moist state. In the spring, the bush will make itself felt by throwing out new leaves. It will be possible to plant it again in the flower garden when the frosts completely recede, and the soil warms up to 15 degrees.

Video: Wintering eustoma

Eustoma at home on a windowsill in a pot

Dwarf forms of eustoma will delight apartment growers seeking to decorate balconies or windows in the summer. Over the cultivation of eustoma at home, you will have to again be patient and make some effort. But the result compensates for all the inconveniences tenfold. The delicate look of eustoma has a beneficial effect on people, immersing them in a world of endless colors, tranquility and tranquility.

Low-growing eustoma in a pot - the perfection of the work of Japanese breeders

Growing from seeds and other methods of propagation of room eustoma

Growing room eustoma is no different from the timing, sowing process and growing garden eustoma. The only difference is the transshipment of the seedling into a larger container - a pick for a potted plant, and for a garden plant - planting on a flower bed.

Eustoma in a pot

To determine when to transplant the eustoma into a larger pot, you can use the roots that begin to break through the drain holes of the pot. This suggests that the plant has become cramped. A container with a volume of 2–2.5 liters is enough for 3 plants, which will develop and grow actively throughout the growing season until they enter a dormant state.

The roots have reached the bottom of the pot, so it needs to be transplanted into a larger container.

The end of autumn is the optimal time for sowing eustoma, but additional lighting is required for the plants, or in February - then additional lighting can be dispensed with, but flowering will occur in late summer. By this time, central heating is switched on in the apartments, and stable heat is kept in the rooms. It is important to ensure that the seedling container is well protected from a cold window. This will help a sheet of foam, placed between the pot and the window glass.

In other ways, as mentioned above, eustoma does not reproduce.

Video: Caring for eustoma

Features of planting and transplanting in an apartment

The root system of Lisianthus is small and fibrous, too fragile. It is the transshipment, and not the picking, that will least of all affect the further rooting in the new pot and the plant's getting used to the new soil.

Three eustoma seedlings in a pot with a volume of at least three liters after a few months will turn into a luxurious blooming flower arrangement

Three seedlings will fully develop in one pot with a volume of up to three liters throughout the summer-autumn season. They will not interfere with each other, but at the same time they will create a lush floral arrangement of different shades.

Conditions for keeping indoor lisianthus depending on the season

Indoor lisianthus germinates, develops and blooms at a temperature of 20-25 degrees. In autumn sowing, after the seedlings appear, the seedlings are provided for 12 hours a day to avoid pulling them out. With a lack of light, the seedlings look weak and a beautiful lush bush with abundant flowering will not work out of such seedlings. The air humidity should be at least 40 percent, and in summer, the terrace on the north side will become a cozy home for the flowering Lisianthus.

Video: awakening eustoma in spring

Caring for the plant on the window. Features of watering, feeding, formation

The care of the plant on the window is the same as in the garden: feeding twice a month with special mineral complexes, regular maintenance of moisture in the soil (all the drained water from the pot must be drained). Watering should be carried out as the soil dries up, do not allow it to dry out.

It is better to leave the pot with eustoma on the balcony in summer - here it will develop faster than on the windowsill

The formation of the bush also needs to be given special attention. If you decide to grow a tall eustoma (up to a meter), which is usually cultivated for cutting, then it must be pinched at the stage of four-leaf growth. This will stimulate the growth of lateral shoots, but for a certain time it will postpone the period of the appearance of the peduncle.

There is no need to pinch dwarf varieties (up to 30 centimeters), since good bushiness is genetically inherent in them.

Dwarf eustoma varieties branch well without pinching

Solving problems for indoor and garden plants

Eustoma is a fairly strong plant, resistant to many diseases and pests. Its only weak point is various types of rot, which appear as a result of excessively high humidity and low temperatures. Powdery mildew can also affect the plant.

It is difficult to deal with different types of rot. As a prophylaxis, plants under the root both on the window and in the garden are watered with a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide (2 tablespoons per liter of water). Powdery mildew will be relieved by a solution of liquid soap, soda and ash (5 grams of soda and 1 gram of liquid soap per liter): process the bush 2-3 times in a week.

Table: diseases peculiar to eustoma

In eustoma, leaves may turn yellow from excessive watering or frequent drying out of the soil. In addition, yellowing of the leaves indicates excessive fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.

Photo gallery: eustoma diseases

Speaking of pests, they rarely infect eustoma on the windowsill, but in the garden in a few days slugs will leave one trunk from a beautiful flowering bush. It is difficult to fight slugs. They live in places with high humidity.Slugs do not tolerate a rough surface, so mulching with bark will help solve the problem with them.

Unfortunately, despite all the work expended, such a fight with slugs and snails does not guarantee their complete disappearance. Therefore, in recent years, gardeners are increasingly forced to resort to chemical methods of control. The greatest use was received by four drugs: a thick saline solution, a 10% solution of iron or copper sulfate, a free-flowing mixture consisting of one part of mustard and red pepper and two parts of furnace ash, as well as a five percent metaldehyde granulate (molluscicide of contact and intestinal action), available now on sale. In Russia, it is sold under the Groza and Meta trademarks.

Slugs can destroy a healthy eustoma bush in a few days

Diverse reviews about eustoma

Eustoma is a whimsical beauty who captivated the hearts of millions of gardeners around the world. In Japan, this flower is loved most of all, so it is there that new varieties of hybrids are born. This is a not a bulbous plant and the only way of its reproduction is through seeds. The growing season of Lisianthus is long - 6 months, but when the plant begins to bloom, all the difficulties of growing are erased from memory. A cut flower lasts up to three weeks in a vase of water, so growers prefer to work with eustoma, no matter what.

• if germination took place at standard 23-25 ​​degrees, then the eustoma will bloom in the same year;
• if the temperature was higher, then it will only form a beautiful rosette of leaves, but it will bloom like a biennial, only in the second year of cultivation.