Known by most as Lisianthus, this delicate prairie flower is also known as the Prairie Gentian, Texas bluebell, Poor man’s rose and Lira de San Pedro, or by its new Latin name of Eustoma. Native to North America, Lisianthus stems have glaucus, succulent like leaves, and delicate purple, pink, green, or white vase shaped blooms atop slender single or branching stems.

Although the flowers of native species tend to have fewer petals, many cultivated double flower varieties have been developed. Leading many to liken Lisianthus flowers to roses, albeit thornless ones.

These delicate looking flowers hide a tough interior. As they are native to prairie lands, they don’t enjoy having wet feet during cultivation, instead it is best to keep them on the dry side. Too much irrigation during cultivation can lead to the development of pathogens.

Lisianthus are hungry flowers, and studies show that treating them with a flower food solution directly after harvest, instead of a hydration solution helps to preserve vase life.

PURCHASING

• Choose stems with 1 – 3 flowers open.
• Avoid any stems with leaf yellowing.

HYDRATION AFTER HARVEST

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.^®
• Cut stems about 1 – 2 inches before placing in a flower food solution such as Floralife^® Clear 300 or Floralife^® Express
• Remove any leaves that are below the flower food solution.
• Hydrate in chilled solution in the flower cooler (34 – 38° F).

SHIPPING AND STORAGE

• Shipping and storage temperatures should be 34 – 38° F.
• Stems should be shipped and stored wet if possible.

RE-HYDRATION AT STORE LEVEL AND STORAGE

• Start processing with a clean bucket, sanitized with D.C.D.^®
• If received dry, conditioning of stem ends with Floralife^® Quick Dip is recommended to unclog stem blockage and promote uptake. Cut approximately 1” or more off stems with clean, sanitized clippers or knife.
• Following Floralife^® Quick Dip treatment, place flowers in a flower food solution such as Floralife^® Clear 300 or Floralife^® Express 300. Do not put flowers directly in metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, high quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flowers.
• Store in a cooler at 34 – 38° F.
• Allow minimum 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow.
• Always remember FIFO (first in/first out) when rotating Lisianthus or any other flowers.

VASE CARE:

• Remove any leaves that might be below the vase solution.
• If received dry, cut approximately 1” or more off stems. Use clean, sanitized clippers or knife, and treat with Floralife^® Quick Dip.
• Immediately place flowers in vase solutions containing Floralife Chrystal Clear^® or Floralife^® Express 300.

COMMON DEFECTS:

• Botrytis can develop on leaves if stems are packed together too tightly. Always allow enough space for air to flow around the stems.
• Stem bending – flowers are geotropic and should be shipped and stored upright in bucket solutions.
• Flowers not opening.
• Foliage yellowing.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Some varieties can be ethylene sensitive, leading to poor opening, premature wilting, and leaf yellowing. Treating with an anti-ethylene treatment such as EthylBloc™ or Floralife^® Ethylguard can help these varieties.
• Other causes for poor opening can be product age (stored too long), or storing dry for long periods.
• Color fade on blooms can be due to improper use of flower food or exposure to intense light sources.
• Studies show the benefits of storage in solutions containing higher sugar levels – for this reason, wholesalers and retailers might consider storing flowers in Floralife^® Clear 300 or Floralife® Express 300.
• Studies report that wet storage improves vase life and bud development.