Prairie Gentian, Lisianthus 'Lizzy Blue' (Eustoma grandiflorum)

This may not be the greatest picture, but these are definately the greatest flowers. I would be so sad if we couldn't find plants each spring. They bloom non-stop, and occasionally winter over for us. This picture is of the Forever Blue Lisianthus purchase from Burpee. And this was it's second year to bloom. Bigger and even better when it overwinters. I have tried the Balboa BlueRim, but enjoy the shorter, bushier plants more. Give them a try, treat yourself, you'll be happy you did. Brinda:)

Lovely Brinda,
I too like Lisianthus..but I have not been successful in over wintering them..they do ok for awhile..but by late winter they peter out..any tips on how you over winter yours?
Cheers,
Carol

Carol,
I always grow Lisianthus in pots. If the pots are small enough I just tuck them in the garage and hope for the best & sometimes it works. The picture you see, the pots are too large to move. I added a little mulch & got lucky. That picture is of plants (last summer, 2002)that overwintered for me here in Oklahoma City. This year they didn't, but we had a horribly cold winter this past year. I wish I had a secret, so if you hear anything I need to know, please pass it on.
Take care & happy gardening,
Brinda

Brinda, I also love the lisianthus. I grow them every year too but I have to start mine from seed in Jan. There is no way I can think of that they would overwinter for me in zone 2. I can't be bothered bringing them in the house either. They can last up to 3 weeks in a vase too. Very nice plants.

Broots, Ok...you have to pass along your secret. I tried to start Lisianthus from seed this last January (150 seeds) and only have 2 very small (about 1/4") plants now. I had alot of them germinate, but they just didn't make it. And how long does it take until they get to the point that they can be transplanted into pots? There definately has to be some secret to starting the Lizzy from seed. Please help me out, because this flower is my passion. My absolute favorite is the Forever Blue.

Hi Brinda. I know it is kind of discouraging when you see how slow they grow. I always buy pelleted seed, much easier to sow. Do not cover the seed & I always plant mine in peat pellets (jiffy 7's)then I don't have to worry about transplanting them til about April, then you just plant the whole pellet. I always pinch them too. That's about all I do. Mine are only about 3" high right now, but this kind only get 8" tall. Once they are in the ground they do a lot better. The seed catalogue I ordered them from said you should start them about the middle of Dec but I never seem to get around to it til the middle of Jan. I wish you luck with your lisianthus.

I love the lisianthus but it seems for me here it is late in the season before they really kick in and put on their show. They seem to want heat and we don't get really hot very long here. I had some from Burpee too one year and they were gorgeous.

Brinda, Very nice pic. Does anyone not love tihs flower? I grow them every year too. I have always bought plants, this year I'm trying seeds. Wish me luck, that mine will be as beautifull as yours. Jacki

What a lovely colourful display Jacki

Jacki

I do wish you luck. (The pic I posted was of purchased plants, not seeds) Seeds are really tough from what I understand. Maybe not tough, but they take alot of patience. Your picture is beautiful. I think anyone growing these will fall in love with them.

Brinda :)

Thanks guys, I'm going to try seeds if it doesn't work I'll be looking for more plants for sure. Will let you know how they turn out.