Eustoma - growing from seeds

Eustoma (lisianthus) is of particular interest to gardeners and lovers of indoor plants.

Flowers that resemble rosebuds have a variety of colors: white, yellow, blue, purple, pink and purple. Decorative flowering plant pleases the eye in the suburban areas, balconies, in apartments. Varieties of eustoma with long peduncles are used in the arrangement of elegant bouquets, low-growing varieties are used in the compilation of elegant floral compositions.

Fascinated by the beautiful view of the plant, many growers would like to know how to grow an eustoma from the seeds?

Technology of growing eustoma

When growing eustoma flowers from seeds, it is advisable to choose annuals, since growing biennials is possible for experienced florists who have greenhouses. In addition, for growing in the house, low-growth varieties, for example "Mermaid", are preferable.

The seeds of the eustoma are very small, therefore on sale it is more often possible to meet the molded forms (several seeds are caked in the form of small balls).

When to plant eustoma on seedlings?

When growing a capricious plant it is very important to adhere to the time when to sow the eustoma. Seeding of eustoma seeds for seedlings is best carried out in December - January (no later than February) due to the fact that the flowering of the plant begins on the 17 - 20th week after the appearance of sprouts. Therefore, if you sow the plant later, its flowering will be in the fall, when the flowers can ruin the frost.

If the plant is sown for growing indoors, then the optimal time for this is June or July, so that in the autumn a rosette of leaves is formed.

How to plant eustoma?

Planting the eustoma and caring for the seedlings requires careful observance of the conditions, otherwise the plant can not be grown. The algorithm for planting the eustoma is as follows:

• in the deep pots or cups (if seeds are sown for seedling), fertile soil is laid and a little sand is added. It is important to properly align it, since the plant does not tolerate uneven moistening of the soil during irrigation;
• seeds are planted in a pot, covering the top with a very thin layer of earth;
• soil moistened with a spray gun;
• containers with crops are covered with polyethylene and placed in a bright, quite warm place.

To protect future shoots from overheating and molding, periodically remove the film for ventilation. Watering in the first weeks of abundant, but it must be done carefully, so as not to wash the seeds. When the eustoma is rooted, watering is reduced.

If the eustoma is grown for a house, then it is left in the container in which it is planted. It is important not to let direct sunlight hit the plant, and in winter to keep the flower at a cool temperature.

Transplanting

The time for planting the eustoma in the flower beds depends on the climatic zone. In a temperate climate, it is best to conduct landing in mid-May, by this time the sprout appears 4 - 8 leaflets. For the cultivation of eustoma, it is better to choose a place well illuminated by the sun. Each flower bush is carefully taken out of the cup with a clod of earth and planted in a hole, which is abundantly watered. Plant the sprout at the same depth as it grew in the container. The newly planted plants should be covered for 2 - 3 weeks to protect against night frosts and rapid evaporation of moisture. Watering is moderate, and the first feeding should be done about a month after planting. In the future, 1 - 2 additional fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out over the summer. Tall grades of eustoma must be supported.

The eustoma blooms in the open air in July. Lush flowering lasts almost until October.