How to grow an eustoma from seeds at home?

With its delightful view, the eustoma is able to decorate any flowerbed. Delicate plant flowers form a dense carpet, almost hiding the green foliage underneath. A visitor from South America not only took root in our latitudes as an annual, but also became a popular garden flower. Eustoma is unpretentious, original and universal in terms of landscape design. In addition, it can be grown in room conditions and specially cut. Let's talk about how to properly grow an eustoma from the seeds, where she can determine the place and how to take care of the plant in the future.

Eustoma, or "beautiful mouth"

"Beautiful mouth" - this is how the name of the plant, consisting of two roots: "eu" and "stoma", is interpreted from Latin. This allegorical comparison is associated with the shape of the flower. Currently, in a botanical environment called "eustoma" is meant only one specific species - large-flowered. It was appropriated to the plant in 1806 by the scientist R. Salisbury, having seen and admired Lizanthus grandiflora. Strictly speaking, he is loved by gardeners and gave rise to numerous and varied varieties.

The generic name Lizianthus was conferred on these representatives of the Gorechavkov family by the Irish botanist and doctor Patrick Brown. Sometimes this merit is mistakenly attributed to Karl Linnaeus. One can also meet an eustoma under the name of a Texas bell, a gentian prairie or a tulip gentian.

The Legend of the Flower

Exotic and bright eustoma (planting and care described later) has its own legend of its origin. American Indians tell an old story about the leader of one of the tribes, who had a beautiful daughter. She was so beautiful that the spirit of war fell in love with her and wished to take her as a wife. She refused him. The deity came to an indescribable rage and killed the poor girl. On the site of her burial a day later appeared unearthly beauty of eustoma flowers. Since then, in Indian folklore, they represent the innocence of a deceased soul.

Distribution and description of the flower

Answering the question about how to grow an eustoma from seeds to seedlings, and then in the open ground or at home, you should start with a story about the native land of the plant, as well as its morphological features. These two aspects in many respects determine the rules of flower care.

The natural habitat of the eustoma is very wide and covers the south of the USA, the northern part of South America, the Isthmus of Panama, Mexico, and also in part the islands of the Caribbean Sea.

At the moment, the genus includes only three species: the eustoma large-flowered, or Russell, the small and Berkeley. They have certain phenotypic differences, but at the same time they have a number of common features on which we will stop. The eustoma is a herbaceous plant with a rigid erect stem, reaching a height of up to 60 cm. Approximately from the middle, it begins to branch strongly, for this reason in color it represents a ready-made bouquet. The leaves are oval-lanceolate in a gray-green color, matte. The calyx is funnel-shaped, deep, in diameter reaches 5-8 cm. In the natural environment, the petals have a deep blue color. Breeders have produced numerous varieties, differing in color, as well as a mahrr form.

Types of eustoma

Before attempting to grow an eustoma in a pot at home or in the garden, it is necessary to decide what kind of plant we are dealing with in one or another case. Whatever you are convinced by the sellers about the species affiliation, remember that in our markets and in specialized stores, only Lisanthus Russell (or large-flowered) can be found so far. It is sold with buds in early spring in pots, it is planted in their gardens experienced farmers. A distinctive feature of the species is blue-green waxy leaves and spectacular bell-shaped blue (sometimes white) flowers. It grows in the Great Plains region. Photos of this species are presented in the review.

The second known species is the eustoma small (Eustoma exaltatum). You can see it in the photo above. The flower is simple in form, five-petalled, shade from gentle-lilac to purple.

The third species is Eustoma barkleyi, which is a tropical plant. It was first described in 1957.

How to grow an eustoma from seeds: seedlings or immediately into the ground?

As already mentioned above, the eustoma is a biennial plant. However, in the mid-climate climate it can only be grown as an annual one, and only in the southern regions as a two-year period. Seed sowing can be carried out both on seedlings, and directly into the soil. The first method is most relevant for the middle belt, the Urals and Siberia, and the second way for the south. In addition, you need to pay attention to the structure of the soil: if it is heavy, then very small seeds of eustoma will simply get lost in it and are unlikely to germinate. Seedlings by the beginning of June, when properly sown, will be already formed and strong, and in July the plant will blossom and retain its decorativeness up to frost.

Terms of sowing

The first thing you need to know about how to grow seedlings of eustoms is the timing of seeding. From the time of their germination to the onset of flowering takes about 5-6 months. And this means that in order to get a flowering plant in June, it should be planted in seedlings in early January. However, at this time of year, the light day is still short, so it will take lightening.

If you want to grow an eustoma in a roomy environment, then the seeding period can be fully shifted to the beginning of March. In this case, additional lighting is not required.

Stage 1: seeding

There is a lot written about how to grow seedlings of eustoma from seeds. Inexperienced growers often warn that this process is not the easiest and sometimes it makes sense to think about purchased plants. Cultivation of lisianthus, indeed, not everyone can do. Seedlings are capricious, develops for a long time, sensitive to waterlogging. In addition, it should be noted that a bag of seeds (10 pcs.) Of varietal eustoma will cost on average from 40 to 100 rubles. To all who want to grow this flower, we recommend to choose the granulated planting material (pictured above) and peat tablets, as in the picture below. This will significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome of the venture.

Peat pills are too large not needed, it is enough to take those that are 4 cm in diameter. Prepare a mini-greenhouse in advance, for example, from the package from the cake. Place the tablets in it and gradually pour the water until they swell completely, drain the excess. In the center of each of them make a small groove with a toothpick or a match and place the eustoma seed there. It is not necessary to bury it, put it, left and closed the lid of the hothouse. A preliminary study of information on how to grow an eustoma from seeds at home makes the process much easier and prevents mistakes.

Place the container under the fluorescent lamp. Dosvetivanie carry out from the calculation that the light day for eustoma should be about 12 hours. The most favorable temperature for germination is + 20-25 ° С in the daytime and not below + 15 ° С at night.

Stage 2: sprouting

With the necessary environmental conditions, the seeds of the eustoma begin to germinate about a week after sowing. Seedlings are very small and fragile, develop extremely slowly. At this time, the root system is growing, so they require special attention.

At this stage it is important to know how to properly grow an eustoma from these tiny sprouts. First, monitor the formation of condensate inside the greenhouse and remove it in a timely manner. If water drops fall on the plants from above, then the probability of fungal development and their death is high. Second, ventilate the container daily. Third, water the seedlings rarely, only when you notice that the pills begin to settle. Add water to the container, and then remove the excess.

After the appearance of the first pair of these leaves in the seedlings, it is possible to start increasing the airing time, thereby accustoming them to the dry air of the room. Approximately from the middle of March it is possible to stop the illumination and completely transfer the eustoma to natural light.

Stage 3: sitting in separate pots

Evidence that peat pills have become small for a plant will be the appearance of rootlets beyond their borders. As a rule, it is visible to the naked eye, and seedlings by this time have 1-2 pairs of real leaves. Do not delay with a transplant, otherwise the roots will germinate into neighboring tablets (this happens very quickly) and then they will have to be divided, damages will be inevitable.

When studying the issue of how to grow eustoma from seeds, it is necessary to pay attention to the preparation of soil for planting. Seedling requires a fertile and loose soil with good permeability for water and air. You can use special shop mixes designed for violets, or prepare the soil yourself. To do this you will need humus, peat, ordinary good-quality garden land and river washed sand. They should be taken in the ratio 1: 2: 1: 0.5. Eustoma prefers soil that has a neutral pH, so it is superfluous to add wood ashes in the amount of two tablespoons per liter of earth to the mixture.

The new pot should not be too large, enough 6-7 cm in diameter. At the bottom, fill in the prepared soil with a layer of 2-3 cm and lightly compact it. Carefully, trying not to damage the rootlets of the plant, remove the coating from the tablet. Next, place the eustoma in the pot and fill the space with soil. If the roots nevertheless sprouted outward and with landing you were late, then do not remove the shell, just cut it in the places where they are least. Seal the ground around the plant, make sure that the root neck is not buried. Pour plants, directing a stream of water around the perimeter of the pot, and not into the center. The surface can be lightly sprinkled with a dry soil mixture.

Stage 4: Care of seedlings

Further care for the seedlings is in a timely watering. It is important not to fill the young plants, pay attention to the condition of the soil and their appearance. Set pots with seedlings in a well-lit place (south or west window). We draw your attention to how to grow a flower of eustoma from seeds for open soil and a room, because there are certain differences in agrotechnics.

If you plan to transplant a plant in the garden or you have a tall variety, then another transplant will be required. It should be held in mid-March, for this, prepare pots 3-4 cm in diameter larger than the previous ones.

In the case where the eustoma prepares for planting in a pot, followed by placement in a room, on a balcony, a loggia or a patio, the intermediate stage can be omitted. Transplant the plant directly into the pot, that is, to a permanent place.

Step 5: Planting in pots

Learning how to grow an eustoma from seeds, and putting all the tips into practice, you can move on to the next stage. When transplanting eustoma in kashpo (indoor growing), the requirements for the soil are the same, but for better growth, we recommend adding 1 tablespoon for every three liters of soil mixture of nitrofoski or azofosca. Carefully move fertilizer to the ground, since lysianthus is sensitive to excess fertilizers and can get burned.

At the bottom of the pot, be sure to fill a layer of expanded clay 2-3 cm thick. For stunted varieties, a pot of 15 cm in diameter or wide will suffice. Increasing the volume of pots, add more claydite to the bottom. Pour further a small layer of soil mixture, remove the seedlings from the pot and gently (keeping the earthen lump), place it in a new container. The voids are filled with soil and slightly compacted. Then, pour the plant and sprinkle dry soil on top.

A few words on how to grow eustoma at home. Care for her in the room is simple. Place the flower pot with the plant in a bright place, it is not afraid of direct sunlight and will be only happy with it. In summer, the usual room temperature will suit the eustoma, in winter it is necessary to keep it at 16-18 ° C. Watering should be abundant, let the soil dry out a little during breaks. This plant comes from the tropics and prefers moist air, which you regularly spray it with.

For those who want to plant a plant in the garden, the questions about how to grow an eustoma flower do not end there. The most complex stages (from seeds to large seedlings) are passed. However, it is necessary to keep plants in the open ground, and this also requires certain efforts.

Stage 6: Landing in open ground

Once you have grown successfully from an eustoma from the seeds, and you have excellent seedlings, it is important not to ruin them. Do not rush to land in the ground, let the threat of recurrent frosts pass. The dates depend directly on the climatic zone, approximately in mid-May-early June. The principles of choosing a site for planting and preparing soil mixture act the same as for an eustoma grown in a pot culture.

The optimal time for planting is an evening or an overcast day. Plant the bushes at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other to prevent thickening.

Step 7: Care of outdoor plants

The basic tips on how to grow an eustoma from seeds at home, also apply to street specimens. Weeding, watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, pruning old inflorescences are the main points that should be paid attention.

First, be careful with watering. It is important to find a golden mean, as the eustomum is harmed not only by the excess moisture, but also by its deficiency. When plants form 6-8 pairs of leaves, you can pinch the top to stimulate the formation of lateral shoots. Fertilizing plants with complex mineral preparations is carried out according to the standard scheme.

Secondly, weeding and loosening. The procedures are mandatory for all cultivated plants. After watering, do not forget to loosen the soil, but shallow to ensure access to oxygen to the roots.

Thirdly, boldly remove faded flowers. So the plant will look more neat, besides, it is likely that in 6 weeks it will bloom repeatedly.

In indoor culture, eustoms are less susceptible to pests and diseases than to street specimens. Plants are most susceptible to gray rot, the appearance of which is associated with a disturbance of the water regime. Of pests, the danger is represented by thrips and whiteflies. Treat street austomy for prophylaxis several times a season with fungicide and insecticide.

Can I use my own seeds?

Many beginning flower growers are wondering whether it is possible to grow an eustoma from seeds obtained from their own plants. He has two answers. The first is yes, if your eustoms were not hybrids. The second is not, if flowers are a product of crossing and on the package there was an F1 badge. In this case, the probability that eustoma from the seeds will be similar to the parent plants is small, most likely, there will be splitting according to various characteristics.

Now you know all about how to grow seed from eustom. Begonia ampelia, lobelia and ornamental-deciduous species will be her wonderful neighbors on the balcony, patio or on the summer terrace. In the garden she prefers solitude. Monopodsadki on beds, along the curb look especially impressive. Do not forget that the eustoma is suitable for cutting into a bouquet. Use for this purpose bushes on which at least 3-4 flowers bloomed.