F1 Snow Smile

The lisianthus is a member of the Gentian family and has a wide range of flower color, shape, size, and early to late flowering characteristics; and year-round production has been achieved in Japan.

Generally, in cold climates plant in spring for summer to fall harvest. In warm climates, plant in summer to fall for year end to spring harvest.

For January-February harvest, the temperature should be maintained higher than 12-15℃ at night and around 25℃ during the day. After planting, young plants should be covered with a plastic tunnel until they grow about 10 cm in length during the winter, the temperature should be maintained at 30°C during daytime. After having flower budding, the temperature should be kept below 25°C.

During the seedling period, pay attention to the damage by fungus gnat. Then later thrips, whiteflies, aphids, and mites should be paid attention. Repeating same crop triggers Fusarium wilt so the soil should be disinfected before planting.

The nursery period of Lisianthus is relatively long. Excessive humidity is strictly prohibited. The plants should be watered when the soil dries out. After planting, avoid frequent water. After flower budding start flowering, it is advisable to water very sparingly to keep the stems hard.

Sowing:
Seeds are coated. The seeds should be sow in a well-drained seeding soil. 288 or 406 plug tray are common. The optimum germination temperature is 25 to 30℃. It takes about 15 days for germination. Rosette is prone to occur when the night temperature exceeds 18℃. To avoid rosette during high temperatures season, give cold treatment after sowing by refrigerator at 10°C for 30 days.

Planting:
In Japan, the typical plant space is 10 cm x 10 cm with 4 rows (2 rows without middle) or 12 cm x 12 cm with 4 rows. 30,000 plants/10a. Flowers can be harvested 3 to 4 months after planting.