Flower Garden - Tips on Growing Lisianthus From  Seed 

SOW INDOORS: 

• Sow Lisianthus Seeds 6-8 weeks before last frost.

• Keep Media moist and near saturation by watering before placement of seed.

• Days to germination = 11-14 days at 65-68ºF

• Do NOT cover seeds, light is needed for germination

• Plants will grow Very slowly for about 6 weeks after germination- due to root growth.

TRANSPLANT:

• Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

• Outdoors only after any danger of frost- space at 5-8 inches apart

• Not recommended for outdoor sowing, as seeds are too small

• Spacing: Plant seedlings 12-15 inches apart in full sun in average to loamy garden soil

• Soil:Soil should be well-drained and alkaline

• Additional Care: Flowering stems will need support (staking)

• Flowers can also be cut and brought indoors for fresh flower arrangements. Plants will mature with an upright habit from 16-35 inches tall to 12 inches wide. Leaves are gray-green in color, slightly fleshy, and smooth in texture. Shape is ovate-oblong to 3 inches and the leaves are prominently 3-5 veined. The 2-4 inch diameter, bell-shaped flowers make their display in the summer.

GARDEN HINTS:

*Grown as an annual, but is a biennial that will overwinter in Zones 8 to 10

USDA Hardiness Zone -First Frost Date- Last Frost Date

• Zone 1  -July 15th -June 15th
• Zone 2  -August 15th- May 15th
• Zone 3  -September 15th May 15th
• Zone 4  -September 15th May 15th
• Zone 5  -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 6  -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 7  -October 15th April 15th
• Zone 8  -November 15th March 15th
• Zone 9  -December 15th February 15th
• Zone 10 -December 15th January 31st (sometimes earlier)
• Zone 11 _No frost. No frost.

Terms and their meaning:

• EC=Electrical Conductivity

Plant injury resulting from excessive soluble salts may first occur as a mild chlorosis of the foliage, later progressing to a necrosis of leaf tips and margins. This type of injury is largely attributed to the mobility of soluble salts within the plant. As these salts are rapidly translocated throughout the plant, they accumulate at the leaf tips and margins. Once the salts reach a toxic level they cause the characteristic "burn" associated with excessive salts. For an accurate reading get an EC meter. Soluble salts in irrigation water are measured in terms of electrical conductivity (EC). The higher the salt content the greater the EC. In general EC values exceeding 2.0 are considered toxic to plant growth. Monitor your water quality frequently in order to avoid potential problems from soluble salts.

• FC=Foot Candles

Light intensity is a primary factor in the photosynthesis of all plants.  Full unobstructed sunlight has an intensity of about 10,000 fc. Where as an overcast day will produce an intensity of around 1,000 fc.  A window sill or light around a window or patio glass door can range from 100 to 5,000 depending of course what direction the light source is facing, or the time of year and your latitude.

• PPM=Parts Per Million

This unit of measure is relatively unique to the greenhouse industry and often there is some confusion on how ppm is calculated. I. To calculate the ppm contained in 1 ounce of material first solve for B: A x 75 = B A = the % active ingredient (AI) in the fertilizer B = ppm contained in 1 ounce of the material in 100 gallons of water Example: Calcium nitrate contains 15% N (0.15 x 75 = 11.25). If 1 ounce of calcium nitrate is dissolved in 100 gallons of water the solution will contain a II. To calculate the number of ounces of material required to make up a desired ppm concentration solve for C: C = Desired ppm conc. / B B = ppm contained in 1 ounce of the material in 100 gallons of water (from above). C = number of ounces of material to add to 100 gallons of water to achieve the desired concentration. Example: To make up a 250 ppm solution of calcium nitrate first multiply the AI x 75 (.15 x 75 = 11.25). Next divide the desired concentration by 11.25 (250/11.25 = 22). To make up a 250 ppm solution of calcium nitrate you would add 22 ounces to 100 gallons of water. Approximately 11.25 ppm N.