Growing Lisianthus from seed:

• Long Cut Flowers: Lisianthus is a coveted cut flower. The flowers can last up to 7 days in a vase. This makes them an excellent choice for long-lasting bouquets and floral displays.

• Variety of Colors: The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, red, and yellow. This variety allows for creative and visually stunning floral arrangements, catering to various aesthetic preferences.

• Cost: It is much more cost effective to grow Lisianthus from seeds.

• Growing lisianthus from seed can be challenging due to the long grow on time required. However, if you can nuture the seedlings into mature plants and blooms, it is well worth the wait!!
  

Quick Guide

Start Indoors:

• Timing: 12-14 weeks before last spring frost

• Seed Depth: Surface Sow (Light needed for germination)

• Germination time: 10-15 days

• Transplant out: 1-2 weeks after last frost date

Plant Specifications

Light Preference

Plant Height

Plant Spacing

Hardiness

Full Sun

Variety Specific

4-8"

Annual

Step-by-Step Instructions - Starting Seeds Indoors

Collect Supplies:

• Seeds

• Seed starting trays or pots

• Seed starting mix (sterile)

• Labels and a marker

• Plastic wrap or a humidity dome

• Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

• Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

  Timing

  • When to Start: Begin the process about 12 to14 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. (Explained here)

  Preparation

  • Clean Containers: Sterilize your seed starting trays or pots to prevent disease.

  • Moisten Seed Mix: Slightly moisten your seed starting mix so it's damp but not soggy.

  Planting Seeds

  • Fill Trays: Fill each cell in the seed tray with the moist seed starting mix.

  • Sow Seeds: Place 1-2 seeds in each cell. Do not cover seeds, as light is needed for germination.

  • Label Trays: Label each tray or pot with the variety and the planting date.

  Germination

  • Cover Seeds: Add a thin layer of fine vermiculite to prevent algae growth on soil surface.

  • Moisten Surface: Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the soil.

  • Create Humidity: Cover the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

  • Warmth: Place the trays in a warm location (70-75°F or 21-24°C). A heat mat can help.

  Light and Watering

  • Lighting: Once the seeds germinate (about 10-15 days), remove the cover and place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to prevent damping-off disease.

  Take Care of Seedlings

  • Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell or pot.

  • Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing time periods each day.

  Transplanting Outdoors

  • Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

  • Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

  • Planting: Plant seedlings 4-8 inches apart, depending on the variety. Use netting or a trellis to support plants for straight cut flower stems.

  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.