Photo

Eustoma is a herbaceous plant from the Gentian family, a shrub. The homeland of eustoma is Central America, namely Mexico and the southern part of the USA. Height in natural conditions can reach 60 cm.

The growth rate of the Texas bellflower (as it is also called) is low; a novice gardener can grow the flower at home with proper care. The lifespan of this indoor plant is 1-2 years, after which the plant is replaced. Flowering occurs in the summer, large flowers resembling bells bloom.

Also see how to grow indoor and.

	Average growth rate.
	Blooms in summer.
	The plant is difficult to grow in room conditions.
	It lasts 1-2 years, then it needs to be replaced.

Features of growing at home. Briefly

Eustoma white. Photo

Temperature	Homemade eustoma will feel most comfortable at a temperature of 10-15 degrees.
Air humidity	Low, no spraying required.
Lighting	It is advisable to provide bright light, but avoid direct sunlight.
Watering	It is enough to water once a week; it is recommended to drain the water from the pan.
Priming	It is advisable to use soil that freely allows air to pass through and has a neutral or slightly alkaline acidity.
Feeding and fertilizer	It is carried out during the flowering period once every 2 weeks with liquid fertilizer in half the dose.
Eustoma transplant	Not required as the plant is grown for 1-2 years.
Reproduction	It is carried out by seeds, possibly also by cuttings.
Features of cultivation	It feels more comfortable in the cool air; in summer it is recommended to take the pot outside.

Eustoma: care at home. Details

Bloom

It occurs during the winter season: most often it is January-February. The flowering period lasts quite a long time, as the flowers appear gradually one after another. To maintain a neat appearance, all dried flowers and leaves must be removed. After flowering ends, a dormant period begins, which lasts a couple of months.

The previous regime of watering and feeding the eustoma is resumed, and soon after this new buds and fresh leaves appear. Appearance Blooming flowers depend on the variety; they differ from each other in size, shape, color and duration of the flowering period.

Temperature

The optimal temperature for growing is 15-20 degrees. In this case, the flower will delight with buds every year, and if the air temperature is increased, flowering will be less frequent: once every two years. Low temperature negatively affects the growth and development of the plant, there is a risk of disease due to cool conditions.

Spraying

Homemade eustoma does not need spraying: this can cause various diseases due to high humidity.

Regular watering will be enough to provide the plant with moisture.

Lighting

For a potted plant, a south window that is well lit is best. But direct sunlight should not fall on the flower, as this can cause the leaves and flowers to dry out.

Eustoma at home requires a lot of light for favorable growth and reproduction processes, so in winter time the pot with the plant must be illuminated for at least 12 hours with artificial light sources.

Watering

Carried out with a frequency of once every two weeks, the need for watering is determined as the top layer of soil dries out(should dry 2 cm). During the dormant period of an indoor flower, you need to reduce the number of waterings - up to 1 time per month.

Pot for eustoma

The ideal container for growing Texas bluebell is a medium-sized plastic pot; clay pots are better for growing other types of plants. The pot should be of such a height that you can easily lay a drainage layer on the bottom (expanded clay or cut foam plastic is suitable as a material for drainage).

You should not take pots that are too large or deep: in this case, the plant will not bloom for very long. Only after root system will grow and touch the walls of the pot, the flowering process begins.

Priming

The best soil for eustoma is soil for growing violets. A drainage layer of expanded clay must be created at the bottom of the pot. You can make the soil yourself: to do this you need to mix soil, humus and river sand in equal proportions.

You can add a little lime to the resulting mixture. The acidity of the soil should be neutral or slightly alkaline.

Acidified soil can lead to plant diseases, as zinc toxicity develops and plant development slows down.

Feeding and fertilizer

Caring for eustoma at home includes feeding for growth and flowering. Suitable for these purposes liquid fertilizers, which contain a sufficient amount of potassium. The instructions tell you how to properly dilute the fertilizer. On average, this is 10-15 grams per bucket of warm water.

Transfer

The root system of this plant should not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary, so eustoma transplantation is rarely done. He does not tolerate this procedure well.

Trimming

Produced as flowers and leaves dry, as well as during the dormant period. It is recommended to remove all dried parts to maintain the decorative appearance of the indoor flower; they can also interfere with the growth of new shoots.

The houseplant is pruned, making sure to leave several shoots with internodes.

Rest period

Begins after flowering has completed. The eustoma is cut off, and the pot is transferred to a cooler room with a temperature of no more than 15 degrees. During this period, the frequency of watering is reduced to once every 3-4 weeks, and a break is taken in applying fertilizers.

Growing eustoma from seeds

It is the main method of plant propagation. The seeds are quite small; most often you can find them on sale in granular form. When sowing, the granules do not need to be covered with soil: they need to be scattered over the surface of the soil, and then pressed a little with your fingers.

The top of the pot is covered with polyethylene, in which holes are pre-made for breathing and ventilation. For sprouts to appear, you need to maintain a certain temperature: at least 23 degrees, at night 15 degrees is allowed, but not less.

Seedling care

The soil must be sprayed with a spray bottle. The first shoots can be seen in a couple of weeks if all the rules for caring for seedlings are followed. It needs to be placed in a well-lit place (light should hit the plant for about 10-12 hours a day).

If the seeds do not grow well, the granules can be pierced with a thin needle before planting. The film is not removed immediately, gradually opening the plant to allow it to get used to external environmental conditions. The sprouts (on average 3-5 pieces) are transplanted into the pot after 1.5-2 months; they must reach a height of at least 10 cm.

The first flowering should be expected after 4 months.

Diseases and pests

The plant may experience certain problems:

• eustoma withers- one of the reasons may be fungal disease, which often develops in this flower;
• gray spots on leaves– botrytis fungus (gray rot);
• buds do not open– the plant does not have enough sunlight;
• eustoma fades– excessive ventilation, leaving the plant in a draft;
• the flowers have withered eustoma - this occurs due to a lack of moisture in the soil.

The main pests that most often affect eustoma are: mealybugs, thrips, aphids, whiteflies, fungus gnats.

Types of eustoma domestica with photos and names

It is a bushy herbaceous plant; the leaves can be oblong or oval in shape. The flowers bloom quite large, bell-shaped, varied in color (white, red, blue, apricot, etc.). It is often monochromatic, but there are two-color types with a defined border.

The best varieties of this type:

• Wonderus Light Brown - a light pink flower appears with a richer, darker edge;
• Colorado Purple - blue flowers without additional color inclusions;
• Roccoco Marine White - white flower with a blue border;
• Advantage Green - white, monochromatic flowers.

The plant reaches a height of 20 cm - a rather low bush. When flowering, many flowers bloom: they are double to the touch, bluish-blue in color.

The bush does not exceed 20 cm in height and is characterized by a dense network of branches. The flowering period lasts quite a long time, flowers small size, can be of various colors, funnel-shaped in shape. This type of eustoma does not need to be pinched.

The size of the variety reaches a height of no more than 20 cm. It is characterized by a large number of small white flowers.

It is characterized by the appearance of pink buds during flowering, which then turn into miniature light pink flowers.

Texas bell, Irish rose, lisanthus... The perennial eustoma flower, beloved by gardeners and florists, has received a variety of names. Planting and care carried out according to all the rules allow you to reveal the amazing potential of the plant. Its buds are as beautiful as a rose even in the photo, and there are so many of them on the stem that the queen of flowers is “resting” - one copy is enough to decorate a full-fledged bouquet.

Features of growing eustoma as a perennial crop

Eustoma looks great both in a bouquet with other flowers and on its own

Despite the fact that eustoma is called a perennial crop, gardeners in central Russia usually grow it as an annual. The problem is that the plant is very difficult to preserve in the autumn-winter period - in its homeland (which is the south North America) eustoma is accustomed to a mild climate, thanks to which in the wild it grows and blooms all year round and reproduces by self-sowing.

In Russia, on packages with eustoma seeds, as a rule, there is an indication: an annual or biennial type of plant can be obtained from them. Biennials (and actually perennials) are purchased by flower growers who have reliable greenhouses in which the plant will be able to survive our harsh winters. In addition, biennial eustoma is used as a houseplant, while in a flower pot on the windowsill it can feel great not for 2 years, but for 4–5 years. If the gardener plans to place flowers in open ground, he chooses the annual option.

Differences from one-year-old relative

There are a lot of eustoma varieties for home cultivation - for every taste!

Annuals are most often tall varieties, the length of their stems approaches a meter. Perennials designed for indoor growing are low-growing, 15–20 cm high. However, this division is very arbitrary: depending on the plans of the grower and for growing as annuals, dwarf flowers may be required.

Another significant difference between the two types of plants is that even a novice gardener can easily cope with annuals. But growing a two-year (perennial) specimen in the garden is within the power of a person with extensive experience. The flower requires special care during the growing season and proper preparation for wintering and its implementation - even minor miscalculations can lead to the death of a delicate plant.

How best to grow: in open ground or in pots

IN landscape design landing is applied as in open ground, and in pots

For a long time, Russian flower growers knew eustoma exclusively as indoor plant. Today it is grown in greenhouses, winter gardens, in the flower beds. On alpine hills and in mixborders, eustoma fits perfectly into the overall picture thanks to long flowering: Starting in mid-July, it continues into September. And if the weather permits, then during the first ten days of October. A single plant can bloom for 4 months, gradually opening bud after bud. If a flower is cut, it will begin to grow back from the root and in the southern regions it will even have time to bloom again, which, unfortunately, does not happen in the middle zone.

When and for how long does it bloom

A flower bed with eustomas is prepared taking into account the flowering time of certain varieties

Flowering times can be adjusted:

• sow the seeds in November or early December - eustoma will bloom in June (at the beginning or middle of the month);
• sow before the New Year - it will bloom in July;
• sowing in mid-January will ensure flowering in August;
• sow at the end of January or the beginning of the last month of winter - expect flowering in September.

Eustoma tolerates light autumn frosts well. However, novice gardeners often make the mistake of starting to take care of eustoma seedlings in the spring. In this case, the plant simply does not have time to bloom - even if buds form, they go under the snow.

Container planting, for which we use various containers- pots, tubs. While it is warm, they are kept outdoors, with the onset of cold weather they are brought indoors. Flowering continues, although it becomes more modest.

Container technology helps preserve the plant's rhizome during the winter so that it can later be planted, with new shoots, in a flowerbed. The disadvantage of this method is that the flowering will not be as rich as usual.

What climate is this plant suitable for, what soil does it grow best in?

Of course, chernozem is fertile soil for most plants, but not everyone can provide such conditions

The soil for eustoma should be:

• well dug (without large lumps);
• drained, which means breathable;
• fertile (mineral fertilizers and compost are added to the soil);
• moderately moist, since waterlogging can cause root rot;

As for the composition, the most suitable options- chernozem or a mixture of peat and humus in a 1:1 ratio.

Since eustoma is a heat-loving plant, it feels more comfortable in the southern regions. In central Russia, for its full growth and flowering, temperatures are needed: 20–25°C during the daytime and 15°C at night. In winter, it is advisable to keep the container with eustoma in a room where the temperature does not drop below +10–12°C.

Popular varieties with photos

Breeders have created about 60 varieties; unusual plants resemble not only roses, but also poppies, double mallow, and flowers of the lily family.

Popular tall varieties (with stem length from 70 cm to 1.5 m):

• Flamenco - early variety, petals are light blue or yellow;
  

  Eustoma variety Flamenco Lime - a gentle addition to any bouquet of bright flowers

• Echo - with large (6 cm in diameter) pink, lilac, white flowers;
  

  Eustoma Echo blue - bright accent in your flowerbed

• Mariachi lime - with salad-colored buds;

  Eustoma Mariachi Lime Green is an unusual guest in a garden or flower bed, green tint looks great overall

• Cinderella - with pink or yellow flowers.

  The Cinderella variety is a classic soft beige color and will perfectly complement a romantic bouquet.

Low-growing varieties (with stem length from 12 to 20 cm):

• Sapphire - snow-white buds have a blue edge;
  

  Eustoma Sapphire Blue Chip - interesting idea for discounts in blue tones

• Double Rosie - with blue or pink flowers;
  

  Lisanthus of double varieties can compete with roses

• Riddle - semi-double variety with pale blue buds;
  

  Eustoma variety Riddle looks great in combination with low-growing flowers of other species

• Tenderness - with pink satin petals.

Planting methods: options for seed germination and sowing seedlings

Growing seedlings is the only opportunity to decorate the garden with flowering eustomas, since the growing season of this crop lasts a long time, almost six months. The optimal period for sowing seeds is considered to be the months from November to February.

It is important to choose the right soil. It is best to purchase it in a specialized store; it should be intended for flower crops (Saintpaulias, violets) - loose, diluted with coconut substrate or vermiculite (this material contains many natural growth elements, it is ideal for small seeds structure due to which the soil does not cake and its surface is not constrained by a moisture-proof crust). If the soil is prepared independently, then its components should be:

• peat,
• sand,
• garden soil,
• humus from the bark.

Obtaining eustoma seedlings is a long process

Sow seeds in cassettes (two seeds in each cell) or in peat pots. At the time of sowing the seeds, the room temperature should be 20–21°C, dropping to 15°C at night. If temperatures are higher, the plants will not form properly.

Here's how to sow:

1. Expanded clay is poured onto the bottom of the container as a drainage layer.
2. A soil substrate is placed on the expanded clay. You cannot fill the container to the brim - the soil surface should be less than a centimeter per
3. The seeds are poured onto moistened soil, carefully pressing into the soil, but without covering it with soil.
4. Cover the container with glass or film, not forgetting to provide ventilation holes.

If pelleted seeds are used, they are first soaked in water so that the shell swells, and then transferred to the ground using a toothpick. The same “tool” is used to slightly disturb the shell and facilitate the germination process.

As for the quality of the seed material, the germination rate of 60% is considered by experts to be very good.

The main troubles await the grower in one or two weeks, when the shoots appear. First of all, plants for normal development required good lighting(however, direct sunlight is not recommended). If there are no sufficiently bright window sills in the house, you will have to organize artificial additional lighting.

To protect plants from diseases, they are sprayed with “Fitosporin”, and for more active growth - with the preparation “Zircon”.

It is better to replace watering with spraying at first, since large drops of water falling on the leaves can cause disease. For the same reason, excess condensation must be regularly removed from the film or glass that protects the plants. Water for irrigation (spraying) must first settle. The condition of the soil must be checked regularly - it must not become dry, but excessive moisture is also dangerous.

It’s good if the air in the room is humid. If it is too dry, as often happens in winter in apartments as a result of the heating system, then the eustoma will wither and may die. To prevent this from happening, you need to use humidifiers.

As the flower grows, it will require hardening procedures - the film is removed for 10 minutes (and then longer). After a week, they leave it without film for the entire daylight hours, covering it only at night. Then the “protection” is removed completely.

If plants were sown in large containers, it is necessary (at the stage of the first leaves) to pick into pots with peat. In mid-March (if container use of the flower is intended garden plot) plants are moved to " permanent place residence”, they do this carefully, using the transshipment method.

Advice: those who adhere to the lunar calendar in gardening should know that eustoma seeds are considered slow to germinate, therefore it is advisable to sow on the waxing Moon.

Caring for flowers in the garden from the moment of planting in open ground until autumn

Seedlings should be watered with cool water and try not to transplant from place to place

It is best to plant seedlings in the western or eastern part of the site, where the sunlight is not too bright. Watering is required when upper layer the soil becomes dry. If the weather is cool, then watering is reduced to a minimum, since the risk of waterlogging the soil increases.

It is not advisable to replant the plant - its roots are too fragile. If such an operation is unavoidable, it must be done with great care, digging up the plant with big lump land.

The first feeding will be required for eustoma 2–4 ​​weeks after planting the seedlings in open ground, when the plant is thoroughly rooted. As a rule, this is a complex mineral fertilizer.

How to care during growth and flowering

Active growth of eustoma requires additional nutrition. When the green mass increases, the need for organic matter and nitrogen is higher, when buds form and flowers bloom, potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are useful. Lush flowering Such drugs as “Kemira” and “Kemira Lux” contribute. Experienced flower growers It is recommended to slightly reduce the concentration of fertilizer compared to what is indicated on the packaging; these are the preferences of eustoma, proven by many years of practice.

To protect plantings from powdery mildew and other misfortunes, you can use the preparations “Topaz” and “Topsin”.

Self-sowing eustoma does not reproduce even in the southern regions of the country

Soft, settled water is used for irrigation. Not much is required, so the necessary supply, ready for use, can always be created.

Since tall varieties are preferred in the garden, the flowers will need support, especially during flowering, when it is difficult for the long stem to cope with the ever-increasing load.

Regular removal of faded buds is not only a decorative measure. Pruning is necessary as a stimulus for the formation of new inflorescences. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of cutting flowers for bouquets - in a month or a month and a half you can count on a new “wave” of flowering.

Care after flowering. How to prepare a plant for winter

When eustoma fades, a period of rest begins in its life - it practically stops growing, all life processes slow down. In order for the plant to rest, there is no need to try to “invigorate” it with fertilizing and watering. Moreover, if you plan to grow the flower as a perennial (this applies to regions with a warm climate), most of the branches of the eustoma should be cut off, retaining 2–3, no more, tillering points.

In central Russia, you can provide wintering for eustoma by transplanting it into some container and placing it under a roof - on a balcony, loggia, or in an outbuilding, where the air temperature does not drop below +10°C.

Potted eustomas are easier to bring into the house when cold weather sets in

Eustoma does not experience the “transition” from open ground to a pot very easily; the plant may need at least a month to adapt. It weakens and withers due to sudden changes in temperature and decreased illumination, so experts consider the best option to move in late summer - early autumn, when the temperature outside and indoors is almost the same. You should also adapt the flower to less light: first place it on the loggia, where there is less sun than in the open air, and then move it indoors, where the light is even less bright.

Unfortunately, even after a successful “housewarming” and proper care, eustoma will not become a classic perennial: its maximum, at best, is exhausted in 4–5 years, and from season to season the flowers will become smaller and their number will decrease significantly.

What problems arise when growing eustoma?

One of the most common problems when caring for perennial eustoma: the seeds are sown, but no sprouts appear. Most likely, a low-quality one was used planting material or the seeds were buried too deeply in the soil and could not break through to the top.

Plant problems can arise due to:

• bright sun rays;
• overmoistening (it causes fungal diseases);
• dry air;
• high soil acidity (eustoma prefers neutral);
• excess mineral fertilizers.

Troubles that have arisen can be signaled by sluggish or drying leaves and stems, and falling buds. Perhaps the culprit is one of the listed problems. Solve it - and the flower will begin to come to life.

Often problems can be avoided in the first place. Inexperienced gardeners do not know this, but if you place eustoma near walls and fences (brick, metal) that heat up under the sun's rays, the plant can get burned. Therefore, plan your planting placement correctly.

Eustoma is not the easiest flower to plant and care for, but the feeling of celebration that the opened buds give to their owner makes all the trouble worth it. Moreover, the florist can always choose an option that is acceptable to him - growing eustoma in a flowerbed, in a winter garden, on a loggia and balcony, or in an apartment on a windowsill. Even when cut, the flower retains its decorative effect much longer than many of its fellows.

Among indoor crops, the main competitor of the rose is the eustoma flower. Planting and care at home has its own difficulties. The efforts made pay off handsomely with beautiful, abundant and long-lasting flowering. Before purchasing or planting eustoma, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of its cultivation.

Herbaceous perennial, belongs to the Gentian family. The flower was brought to us from the southern part of the USA. In the wild, eustoma or lisianthus settles in damp places - in lowlands and along the edges of reservoirs.

The height of the flower is 30-90 cm, the stems are branched, the leaves are characterized by a grayish tint. Unopened flowers resemble a rose in shape, while bloomed flowers resemble a poppy. The characteristic color of nature is purple or blue. Up to 20 large flowers bloom in turn on each plant.

As a houseplant, eustoma is more multifaceted. Almost all varieties grown in apartments are artificially bred by breeders. Varieties with pink, peach, white, and yellowish flowers are popular. There is a two-color color of the petals. The latest achievement of breeders is terry eustoma.

In the wild it is a biennial plant. It is often grown in flower beds as a beautiful-flowering annual. How a potted crop can “live” longer when created favorable conditions.

Interesting! The beginning of flowering depends on the planting date. When sown in late autumn, flowering will occur in July; in mid-winter, the plant will bloom only by August. With proper care, flowering lasts until the end of October. Plants planted in a flowerbed are not afraid of the first frosts - flowering stops when snow falls.

Types and varieties

About 60 species have been discovered and studied. Only Russell's lisianthus is grown as a potted crop, while Eustoma grandiflora is grown as a garden crop. They differ mainly in size - for indoor growing, preference is given to low-growing varieties. The most popular and widespread are:

• Mirmaid. A low-growing variety no more than 15 cm. The diameter of the flowers reaches 6 cm. The colors are pink, blue, white, purple. Plants branch independently and do not pinch.
• Little Bell. The name translates as “little bell.” The height of the bush is no more than 15 cm. The flowers are small, simple funnel-shaped. The colors are different. The bush is compact, abundantly branched.
• Loyalty. More tall plant up to 20 cm. Blooms abundantly, flowers are simple, white. They are arranged in a spiral on the peduncle.
• Florida Pink. The eustoma flowers of this variety are simple, Pink colour, numerous. A lush, even bouquet is formed on the peduncle.

Advice! Light colors are suitable for eustoma plastic containers for 2-2.5 liters. Up to 3 plants can be planted in one pot at a time. When growing tall varieties support is provided in the pot - thin stems droop under the weight of the flowers. Withered flowers are immediately cut off, stimulating the formation of new flower buds. During flowering, complexes with a predominance of potassium and phosphorus are added.

Features of care

Eustoma is a difficult indoor crop to care for. For healthy growth, the plant requires certain conditions.

• Lighting. Loves bright light, the sun, but suffers from its direct rays. Place it on a south window and shade it in hot weather. It grows well outdoors - in summer the flower is taken out to the balcony or buried directly in a pot in the garden. In the fall they are moved back into the house.
• Watering. The soil is moistened when it dries 2 cm deep. Water moderately, avoiding waterlogging and stagnation of moisture. Water is used either settled or rainwater. Avoid completely drying out the earthen coma.
• Humidity. Neutral to any air humidity. It is not recommended to spray the flower.
• Feeding. During the period of green mass accumulation, complex nitrogen-containing fertilizers are used. During the period of budding and flowering, fertilizers with potassium and phosphorus are applied.
• The soil. The soil in which eustoma will grow well is a homemade mixture of peat and rotted bark. Most ready-made store-bought soils are not suitable for growing it.
• Transplants. The flower is replanted only in case of urgent need. Eustoma reacts painfully to transplants. It is allowed to transplant immediately after wintering. Even slight damage to the root system can result in the death of the flower.

Advice! After flowering, the flower stems are cut off and 2-3 internodes are left on them. In winter, keep at a temperature of 10-15°C, water occasionally, do not apply fertilizers. Transfer to heat when young shoots appear. Gradually introduce into normal care regimen.

Reproduction of eustoma

The most common way to grow eustoma is from seeds. You can get them at home, but the plants lose the characteristics of the variety. It is preferable to use seed material purchased in specialized stores. Sometimes a method of dividing a bush is suggested. This is theoretically possible, but the fragile root system of the plant often leads to death after planting. Cuttings rarely take root even with the use of “Kornevin” and “Heteroauxin”, so propagation of eustoma by cuttings is not practiced. When growing a flower from seeds, strictly adhere to the recommended agricultural practices.

Sowing seeds begins in late autumn and continues throughout the winter. The seeds are laid out on the substrate and lightly pressed down without burying them in the soil. The container is covered with film, leaving a hole for air flow into the greenhouse.

For rapid germination, the flower needs increased daylight hours - 11-12 hours. Seedlings are provided with additional lighting. The temperature is maintained at 20°C, and at night it is not allowed to drop below 15°C. When the soil dries out, spray it with a spray bottle.

Shoots appear in about 2 weeks. Without waiting for the formation of true leaves, the seedlings are sprayed with a weak solution of phytosporin. Subsequently, the procedure is repeated from time to time. After the formation of two true leaves, they are picked into separate containers. To avoid repeated transplantation, they are immediately planted in large pots.

Advice! Soil dampness is the main factor to which eustoma is sensitive. The pot must have a thick layer of drainage. Growth accelerators are not used for seeds - the plant dies from them.

Growing problems

Eustoma grows well in the garden. Tall varieties with abundant flowering are more suitable for flower beds. It looks impressive both on its own and as part of flower arrangements.

Eustoma perennial planting and care behind which at home and outdoors described in this article, is very popular among flower growers and florists. It is also called Texas bell, Irish rose, lisanthus. This is an amazingly beautiful flower, which even in the photo is a good competitor to the rose. At correct landing and caring for eustoma, so many flowers are formed on one stem that even 1 copy will be enough to decorate a bouquet.

Description of the plant

Eustoma is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant that is grown as an annual in temperate regions. The flower has a branched, thin and sensitive root system without tubers and bulbs. The stems grow vertically up to 1-1.2 m in height and are highly branched in the upper part. They are smooth and dark green in color. The surface of the sprouts is smooth, dark green. There are thickenings where flowers and leaves form, as seen in photo.

Short-petioled leaves are formed almost near the stem in pairs, opposite each other. The leaves are oval in shape, slightly narrowed at the base and pointed towards the end. They are smooth on top and streaked underneath. The leaves are dark green with a bluish waxy coating.

From above, the stem branches repeatedly, forming paniculate inflorescences. Each flower has a long peduncle. Up to 35 buds are formed on one flower at the same time. However, they do not open simultaneously, but several at a time. Corollas with a diameter of 5-8 cm with free petals can be simple or double. The flower petals are wide and soft, the edges are wavy. They can be white, violet, blue, pink and lilac. The flowers of some varieties of eustoma can be plain or variegated, with smooth transitions or stripes. From a distance, eustoma resembles a rose flower, but it looks more like a double poppy. The stamen of the flower is medium in size, has massive anthers and an ovary style divided into 3 parts.

The elongated seed pods ripen after pollination. Under the dry valves there are small oval seeds with vertical grooves of a reddish hue.

Types and varieties

There are 3 types of eustoma. The most popular is Eustoma grandiflora. These flowers can be grown in a garden, greenhouse, or at home. Very often this plant is grown commercially for cutting purposes.

Eustoma grandiflora grows up to 150 cm in height, has an erect and branched stem, along the entire length of which dark green oval leaves are formed. a dense inflorescence of many flowers is formed at the top. The corollas are large with soft and wavy petals. They differ in color and structure. Eustoma grandiflora has more than 60 ornamental varieties.

Tall varieties for gardening and cutting

Echo is the most popular varietal species grown for cutting into bouquets. The plant grows up to 60 cm in height, the flowers can be colored in any of 11 different shades.

The buds can be monochromatic or combine several shades, smoothly transitioning into one another.

Aurora - the plant grows up to 0.9-1.2 m in height, blooms with beautiful white, blue or pink semi-double flowers.

Flamenco is decorative look tree-like perennial eustoma. Grows up to 1.3 meters in height.

The plants are easy to care for and are characterized by lush flowering.

White Grandiflorum (Lisianthus grandiflorum) – This is one of the most impressive and luxurious species. The plant is most often used to make wedding bouquets, decorate interiors, and formal halls.

Dwarf varieties for home

Little Bell - In appearance it seems quite simple, especially when compared with other lush types of eustoma.

However, this is where its charm and touchingness lies. This flower can be grown in pots at home.

Florida Pink - This plant produces beautiful pink buds. This is a type of perennial eustoma, all the stems of which are abundantly covered with bright pink flowers.

Mermaid (Mermeid) is a small plant for growing in pots in indoor conditions. The stem grows no more than 15 cm in height. The flowers are most often blue-violet, but there are pink and white representatives of this species.

Fidelity - this plant has a spiral-shaped peduncle that grows no more than 20 cm in height and many white simple corollas are formed on it.

In nature, there are more than 60 varieties of eustoma, they are all somewhat similar to each other, but at the same time they have their own characteristics and differ in appearance.

Features of growing eustoma as a perennial crop

Despite the fact that eustoma is a perennial, gardeners in central Russia most often grow it as annual plant. And all because in the autumn-winter period this flower is difficult to preserve in harsh climatic conditions. The homeland of eustoma is the south of North America. This region enjoys a mild climate, thanks to which this flower reproduces by self-sowing and grows in the wild all year round, producing an abundance of buds.

In our country, bags of eustoma seeds usually indicate what type of plant it belongs to: annual or biennial.

Biennial eustoma (and actually perennial) is suitable for cultivation by those growers who have reliable greenhouses where the plant can survive the cold Russian winters. In addition, two-year-old eustoma can be grown at home as indoor flower. On the windowsill, this flower feels great for 4-5 years, and not 2 years, as stated on the package. If eustoma is grown in open ground, then it is necessary to choose annual seeds.

Differences from annual eustoma

• Annuals most often include tall varieties of eustoma, which grow 1 meter or more in height.
• Perennials are intended for indoor growing, so they are low-growing and do not grow in height more than 15-20 cm. However, some gardeners also grow low-growing eustomas as annuals.
• Even novice gardeners can grow annuals, but only gardeners with extensive experience can cope with the cultivation of biennial species.

Biennials require certain care and agricultural technology during the growing season. In addition, they must be properly prepared for wintering, since even minor miscalculations can lead to the death of the plant.

How best to grow: in open ground or in pots

For a long time, Russian flower growers grew eustoma only at home in pots. Today it is cultivated in winter gardens, in open ground and in greenhouses. Thanks to its long flowering from mid-July to the end of September (and in favorable weather conditions until mid-October), eustoma is often used to create alpine slides and mixborders. This is the only plant that blooms for 4 months, constantly opening several buds.

If you cut a flower, it begins to grow back from the root. At the same time, in the southern regions it may even bloom again, but this will not be possible in central Russia.

When and for how long does it bloom

Flowering dates can be adjusted independently. Eustoma will bloom:

• in June, if the seeds are sown in November or early December;
• in July, sow seeds by January;
• in August when sowing seeds in mid-January;
• in September, if you start sowing eustoma seeds at the end of January or beginning of February.

Eustoma is resistant to slight autumn frosts. However, many novice gardeners begin to take care of eustoma seedlings in the spring. And this is one of the main mistakes, since the flower does not have time to form buds. And if the buds manage to form, they go under the snow.

To solve this problem, the flower can be planted in a large pot or tub. In warm weather, eustoma in pots is kept outside, and when the weather starts to get colder, the flower is brought indoors. This allows you to prolong flowering, albeit for a long period.

By growing eustoma in containers, its root system is preserved throughout the winter. This allows the plant to be planted in open ground in the spring with new shoots. The only drawback of this method is that flowering will not be as long and abundant.

Climate and soil suitable for eustoma

In order for eustoma to please with abundant flowering and grow well, it needs soil:

• well dug without lumps;
• breathable, that is, drained;
• fertile, well-fed mineral fertilizers and compost;
• moistened, but in moderation, since too wet soil can lead to rotting of the roots.

The soil should consist of black soil or a mixture of peat and humus in equal quantities.

Since eustoma is a heat-loving plant, it is more comfortable for it to grow in the southern regions. For the full growth and flowering of eustoma in central Russia, it is necessary to monitor the temperature:

• V daytime 20-25 degrees Celsius;
• at night - 15 degrees Celsius.

Advice! In winter, it is advisable to keep the pot with the plant in a room where the temperature does not drop below +10–12°C.

Eustoma loves uniform diffused light. Therefore, it must be located in a place where neither shadow nor direct sunlight falls. Sunlight is only necessary for seed germination, since the sun's rays stimulate the emergence of seedlings.

Important! It is necessary to monitor the acidity of the soil; it should be neutral.

You can check the acidity of the soil yourself at home; it is a simple procedure. You need to take a lump of earth and drop a few drops of table vinegar on it. If bubbles begin to appear, it means chemical reaction between vinegar and lime in the soil. This indicates that the earth is neutral or slightly acidic. If there is no such reaction, then the soil is highly acidic and it is necessary to add wood ash, chalk or dolomite flour to it.

• Eustoma cannot be propagated by cuttings, since they never form a root system.
• The plant cannot be propagated by dividing the bush. Even if the plant is large, its root system is still underdeveloped and if it is divided, both bushes will not survive.
• Eustoma also cannot be replanted for the same reason, since the underdeveloped rhizome will not allow the plant to take root in a new place, and it will die.

Advice! To prolong the flowering of eustoma at home, the flower must be kept in a cool room.

Taking into account all these features of the development of eustoma, you can grow a beautiful flower that will delight you with abundant and long-lasting flowering.

Growing from seeds

Growing flowers from seeds is not difficult, but it requires a certain amount of time and knowledge. Beginning flower growers may make mistakes that can cause seed germination to decrease or not appear at all. This can happen due to improper agricultural practices or poor seed quality. In any case, you should not despair, but analyze your actions, correct mistakes and try to grow the eustoma again.

It is better to buy seed material in a specialized store that sells proven seeds. Eustoma seeds are very small and there are about 20 thousand pieces per 1 g of their weight. In addition, they have a low germination rate, only 30% will sprout. But if they are processed, the figure will increase to 40%. Usually, the packaging with seeds says that the seed has been processed (untreated seeds should not be taken). The seeds are sold in the form of pills, that is, they are placed in a special gel. This allows you to increase the percentage of seed germination and facilitates the process of sowing them.

How to sow seeds for seedlings

For sowing seeds, it is best to use a substrate made of peat and bark humus deciduous trees, taken in equal quantities.

You can also use a universal seedling mixture, which you can buy at a flower shop. It has already undergone a disinfection procedure and is neutral or weakly acidic.

You can sow seeds in peat tablets, which must be soaked for 24 hours beforehand.

• The soil is slightly moistened so that it becomes soft.
• The seeds are distributed over the surface of the soil at a distance of 2-3 cm from each other, slightly pressing into the ground.

Important! The seed material is not covered with soil.

• I water the crops warm water, spray them with a spray bottle.
• The containers are covered with film and several small holes are made in it using a needle or toothpick for air circulation and left in a warm place.
• Shoots should appear within 15 days.
• After the sprouts appear, the film is removed.
• The seedlings are sprayed with a solution of phytosporin to protect them from the appearance of fungal and putrefactive diseases.

Watch the video! Eustoma. Secrets of growing seedlings. Picking seedlings!

How to care for seedlings

Air temperature and lighting

It is necessary to monitor the temperature. During the day the temperature should be about 20-22 °C, at night the temperature should not fall below 14 °C.

The duration of daylight should be at least 12-14 hours, since lighting stimulates the life processes of the plant. If there is less daylight, it is necessary to organize artificial illumination of the eustoma.

Watering

Eustoma loves moderate watering without waterlogging the soil. It is better to water in the morning, so that by evening the leaves of the plant are sprinkled. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of soil moisture, since if overmoistened, the eustoma can be affected by blackleg (rotting of the root system). In this case, it is almost impossible to save the plants.

Picking

45-60 days after sowing the seeds, the seedlings grow to 4-5 cm in height and 1-2 true leaves form on it. At this time, the seedlings are picked into separate cups, the diameter of which should be approximately 6 cm. The procedure must be carried out very carefully, capturing the seedlings along with a lump of earth, so as not to damage the weak root system.

• Cups are poured fertile soil, make small holes according to the size of the root system.
• They transfer seedlings with a clod of earth into them.
• The root collar should be at the same level as before picking.
• After the procedure, the plants are watered with a phytosporin solution to prevent diseases.
• If the root collar appears above the soil surface after watering, it is necessary to add more soil.
• The seedlings are covered with a plastic bag to adapt them to a new place.
• When the rhizome of the plant completely fills the container, it is recommended to re-pick into cups of larger volume. This is necessary for the active growth of seedlings.

10-14 days before transplanting seedlings into open ground, seedlings must be hardened off. To do this, they take her outside for several hours. The main thing is to ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Planting seedlings in open ground

Transplantation of seedlings to a permanent place is carried out in good weather conditions, when the risk of night frosts has passed.

Important! The root collar should be at ground level. It is possible in slightly recessed holes.

• The distance between plantings should be at least 15 cm; for tall varieties, the distance is 20 cm.

In the future, eustoma requires regular but moderate watering. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the amount of precipitation and air temperature. To support optimal level soil moisture, it is recommended to mulch the ground around the plant.

Due to abundant flowering, thin stems can lie down under the weight of the buds. For individual plants, pegs are driven in and the stems are tied to them. For large plantings, it is better to stretch a trellis from twine or wire.

Outdoor growing conditions

Lighting

In order for eustoma to grow and develop well, it needs to be provided with good lighting without direct sunlight. Sunlight is only necessary during seed germination, as it helps stimulate the emergence of sprouts. Also, you should not plant eustoma in the shade; the area can only be slightly shaded.

Priming

The acidity of the soil should be neutral. If it is acidic, add wood ash, chalk or dolomite flour to the soil to deoxidize it. Lime can also be used for these purposes, but then it is scattered in the fall, and in the spring it may not harm the plants.

Topping

To stimulate branching, which is necessary for abundant flowering, the top is pinched at the stage of appearance of 6-8 leaves.

Top dressing

During active growth of eustoma, it is necessary to apply fertilizer. Potassium is needed for the development of the root system. It is contained in sufficient quantities in the ashes. You can also purchase potash fertilizer at a specialty store.

• To improve growth and strengthen the stems, use fertilizers containing nitrogen. At the very beginning, when flowers need fertilizer with a high amount of nitrogen, Plantafol Growth or Plantafol fertilizer is used.
• When buds begin to form, you can use Plantafol Budding nutrition under the root, since it contains more phosphorus than nitrogen.
• Fertilizers "Kemira" or "Kemira Lux" promote long and abundant flowering.

Important! The main thing is to dilute all fertilizing with water before fertilizing the name of the plant. Experienced gardeners recommend diluting a lower concentration of fertilizer in water than indicated in the instructions or on the packaging.

Watch the video! Eustoma seedlings. The beginning of flowering!

For abundant flowering

The beginning of eustoma flowering is regulated by the time of sowing the seeds, as well as the time of transferring the seedlings to open ground. It is necessary to monitor the air temperature, since sudden changes, even within normal limits, can lead to the eustoma blooming much later, and in some cases it may even die. If there are strong changes in temperature, it is better to build a temporary film shelter at this time.

After the eustoma has faded, the reappearance of buds can be stimulated. To do this, faded flowers are cut off and new buds form in their place after 45-60 days.

Advice! There are frost-resistant varieties of eustoma; they will bloom much longer.

Home care

Eustoma can be grown at home; for this you need to know the rules of agricultural technology and caring for this flower. When grown indoors, a flower requires the same level of lighting and watering as when cultivated in open ground or in a greenhouse. Rules of care indoor eustoma:

• Moderate watering soft water at room temperature.
• Regular ventilation for fresh air.
• Protection from drafts and direct sunlight.
• During the warm season, the room temperature should be kept at 22-24 °C. In winter – 14-16 °C.
• Applying fertilizers for indoor flowering plants during the active growth of eustoma.
• Cool air temperatures will extend the flowering period.

Remember that eustoma does not tolerate excess moisture very well. Therefore, it is necessary to water the flower exclusively from above the pot. In this case, you need to take care of reclamation by mulching the soil surface with small pebbles in a 2 cm layer.

Rest period

Like any plant, eustoma also needs rest. By winter, eustoma significantly reduces its vital activity. After all the buds have faded, it is recommended to trim the shoots, leaving 2-3 internodes. The flower is kept in this state until spring, providing the room with good lighting, minimal watering and a temperature within 14-15 °C.

Advice! Eustoma that grew in open ground can be dug up and stored until spring in the same way as a houseplant.

In the spring, as soon as the plant shows the first signs of resumption of vegetation, it is carefully transplanted into a larger pot and the amount of watering is increased.

It is not always possible to successfully bring eustoma out of the dormant period, so you need to be prepared for this and always have good seeds in stock in order to sow them on time and enjoy the blooming of your favorite flower for a long time.

Diseases and pests

Gastropod pests are removed manually or using traps. The remaining pests are destroyed using insecticides that are used to treat the plant.

29 Jul 2016

Eustoma flower In beauty it can outshine the queen of flowers, the rose. The shape of the buds and flowers of these plants are similar, but the thin stems without thorns and waxy leaves of eustoma add elegance to it. Growing eustoma the matter is not simple, since this flower has a capricious character, small seeds do not germinate well, seedlings take a long time to develop and plants easily rot if care rules are not followed. You can grow eustoma as an indoor flower at home or in the open ground through seedlings as annual flowers.

Cut eustoma flowers last a long time in water; they are often used to make wedding bouquets, as these flowers are a symbol of purity and tenderness.

Sometimes this plant in old literature is called lisianthus, translated from Greek this word means “blooming flower”, and “eustoma” is translated from Latin as “beautiful mouth”. This flower is also called Texas or Irish rose.

Genus Eustoma (Eustoma) includes only 3 species of biennial and perennial herbaceous plants. The height of eustoma stems does not rise above 1 meter. Branched inflorescences are formed at the ends of the stems, usually with 3-10 buds. Eustoma buds look like rose buds, half open simple flowers look like bells and the large opened eustoma flowers resemble poppies with delicate petals. Size open flower eustomas are about 8 cm in diameter.

In nature, these flowers are found in South and Central America and Mexico. In floriculture, only one species is used - eustoma grandiflora (E.grandiflorum). Based on this species, more than 50 varieties and hybrids with different flower colors have been created. Eustoma flowers are white, yellow, pink, lilac, violet, white with a colored border or a colored center. The shape of eustoma flowers can be simple, when the corolla forms 5 large petals. Semi-double flowers have more petals, but they do not cover the center of the flower with yellow stamens. Double flowers have many petals, they fill the whole central part flower.

The eustoma plant forms compact bush. First, a rosette of leaves develops, then numerous leafy stems emerge from it. The leaves of eustoma are unusual, oval in shape with a pointed tip, as if cast from wax, green in color with a bluish tint.

Growing eustoma from seeds.

There are many different eustoma seeds on sale now. different varieties and hybrids. Flower lovers often buy eustoma flower seeds but fail after sowing. Eustoma seeds are small and take a long time to germinate. At the beginning of growth, seedlings develop very slowly and are easily affected by the “black leg”.

When purchasing eustoma seeds for growing flowers at home, choose low-growing plants. For planting in the garden, it is better to use plants with tall stems; they are better for cutting. For growing in open ground, choose eustoma varieties that bloom early, as late flowering plants in our climate they may not have time to bloom.

Eustoma should be sown early, in January - February, since the plants bloom 4-5 months after germination. When sown in February, the first eustoma flowers will bloom in July, and flowering will last until September. If sowing is late, the last buds may not have time to open in the fall when it gets colder.

Eustoma seeds are very small and black. It is more convenient to sow pelleted seeds enclosed in a light shell.

The soil for sowing is prepared light with a sand content of up to 1/3. The soil reaction should be neutral Ph 6.5-7. The soil mixture should contain one part humus, one part high peat and one part clean river sand or perlite.

When sowing, the seeds are distributed over the surface of the moistened soil, trying to leave a distance of 2-3 cm between them. The crops are not sprinkled with soil; they can only be watered from a tray or by spraying, so that they are not drawn deep. If the seeds are enclosed in a shell, it needs to be dissolved; to do this, drop warm water onto the seeds from a pipette.

The crops are covered with glass or transparent film and placed in a bright place. For the germination of eustoma seeds, a temperature of +22...+24 degrees is required, but when the first shoots appear, it is reduced to +15. The first shoots usually appear after 10-14 days, some seeds can germinate in a month.

Eustoma seedlings need to be grown in sufficient light. In early spring, the days are still short, so in order for strong plants to develop and not stretch out, they are given additional light fluorescent lamps until 14-16 daylight hours. Lamps are installed above the plants at a distance of 35-40 cm.

For the development of eustoma seedlings, a favorable temperature is +18…+24 degrees. The first two months the seedlings develop very slowly, the process of root growth is underway. Eustoma seedlings are watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out. Excessive moisture can cause blackleg disease or rot. For prevention, plants are watered with the drug “phytosporin” (1 gram is diluted per 10 liters).

After the small seedlings form the first pair of true leaves, they are planted in separate cups. When transplanting, try not to damage the thin roots.

When the plants form a rosette of 6-8 true leaves, they are transplanted into larger pots or planted in open ground.

Caring for eustoma in open ground.

Before planting seedlings in open ground, the plants are hardened by placing the cups on Fresh air, in a place protected from the sun. The first days the seedlings are kept outside for about an hour, gradually the time is increased to a full day, and they are accustomed to the sun.

Eustoma seedlings are planted in the ground at the end of May - beginning of June, when there is a threat of frost. If you plant the plants earlier, they need to be covered at night.

For planting, prepare holes and water them. The plants are carefully removed from the cups, without destroying the earthen ball, and transferred into the holes. Eustoma should be planted in flower beds at a distance of 15-30 cm, depending on the height of the plants.

Eustoma is a drought-resistant plant; it prefers sunny, well-drained areas where water will not stagnate after rain or watering. Thin stems with numerous buds and large flowers may be bent by wind or rain, so provide support for them.

Water the flowers moderately so that the surface of the soil dries out. If the weather is rainy or foggy in the morning, the flowers may get sick powdery mildew or gray rot. To prevent fungal diseases, treat flowers with phytosporin.

Eustoma needs to be fed after 2-3 weeks. If during the growth of green mass, plants require mainly nitrogen fertilizers, then during the period of bud formation and flowering, use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Remove faded flowers to prolong flowering. A few faded flowers can be left for seed collection in the fall. Seeds are not collected from hybrid plants with the F1 symbol, since they do not retain varietal characteristics.

Caring for eustoma at home.

To grow eustoma at home, you need to prepare a suitable substrate and pot for planting. Mix part of the fertile soil with the same amount of peat and sand. To plant eustoma, choose a wide and not too deep pot. The bottom of the pot should have wide drainage holes. In addition, add a layer of expanded clay to the bottom of the pot.

After transplanting the plant into a pot, for the first time it is shaded from the sun and watered moderately. If you want to get a lush bouquet of flowers in a pot, pinch the stems at the beginning of growth, then they will be lower and form more buds.

Water the eustoma in the pot moderately. You need to start feeding the flower after planting in a month. Fertilizers for flowers are diluted in a weak concentration and watered with it after 2-3 weeks.

For eustoma to bloom in a room, it must receive enough light per day for up to 12 hours. Indoor eustoma flowers will not tolerate the hot midday rays of the sun on a south window. It is better to place a flower pot on an eastern or western window, where the lighting is bright, but mostly diffused.

If you bought a flowering eustoma in a pot, you can try to save the plant after flowering. Faded shoots are cut off, and the pot with the plant is placed in a cool, bright place where the temperature is around +10...+15 degrees. Typically, the dormant time of eustoma occurs in winter. When kept cool, the flower is rarely watered and not fed. After three months, the plant is returned to warm conditions, they begin to water and feed, provide lighting for up to 12 hours a day, then the eustoma blooms again.