Eustoma (Lisianthus): Native Origin, Sowing Time and Days to Germination

Eustoma, also called prairie gentian or Turkish gentian, has elegant and bright flower colors and a unique, lovely flower shape, and is one of the most popular potted flower and cut flower types internationally. So, where is the native origin of eustoma? When should it be sown? How long does it take to germinate?

1. Where is the native origin of eustoma?

Eustoma is native to the areas of Colorado, Nebraska, Texas and New Mexico in the United States. Starting in the 1970s, eustoma began to become popular as a cut flower in places such as Japan and Korea.

2. When should eustoma be sown? How long does it take to germinate?

Eustoma is best sown indoors in pots in September-October or January-February. The seeds are tiny and light-loving, so there is no need to cover them with soil. The suitable germination temperature is 22-25°C, and they germinate 12-15 days after sowing. About half a month after germination, thin out or transplant the seedlings; the seedlings grow very slowly. From sowing to flowering takes 120-140 days, and cut flower varieties take 150-180 days. In the seedling market, a small number of tissue-cultured plantlets and cutting-propagated plantlets of eustoma are also available.

3. How is eustoma cultivated?

Eustoma seedlings grow relatively slowly, so when transplanting, do not set them too deep. When they have grown 4-5 true leaves, plant them out into 10-15 cm pots, using a growing medium made from leaf mold, garden soil and a small amount of decomposed organic fertilizer. In the early stage after planting, be careful to keep the soil moist. In the middle stage of growth, gradually reduce the water supply to encourage the flower stems to become firm. During the growing period, apply fertilizer once every half month; fully decomposed cake fertilizer water can be used. If a mid-season variety is used for pot cultivation, 20 days after planting, spray the plants 2-3 times with a 0.03%-0.05% vitamin solution. For varieties with strong branching, pinch off the growing tips to encourage more branches and more flowers. High temperatures and long-day conditions can promote flower bud differentiation and achieve the goal of earlier flowering.