Eustoma in the photo: beauty itself
Eustoma (Eustoma), or bitter flower, is native to America (southern USA, Mexico and some Caribbean islands). Florists lovingly call this flower the French rose.
Content:
- Origin and description
- Propagation from seeds and care of seedlings
- Growing outdoors
- Growing in pots
- Application in floristry
Origin and description
Eustoma is a bright plant with shiny leaves and large bud-shaped flowers, usually blue. Breeders have developed artificial varieties of white, yellow, even red colors. Some wild species of this exotic plant are listed in the Red Book.
Eustoma grandiflora is the most common and popular species among lovers of decorative indoor plants.
Thanks to its decorative qualities and attractive appearance, eustoma has gained immense popularity among professional florists and amateur gardeners around the world.
Propagation from seeds and care of seedlings
Unfortunately for flower growers, eustoma is not able to reproduce by dividing the bush.
The grown plant painfully tolerates disruption of the root system, so baby divisions usually do not take root. Unlike roses, eustoma does not reproduce cuttings. Thus, the main and practically only method of propagation is only by seeds.
Usually they start the sowing campaign in early winter. This is dictated by the fact that eustoma begins to bloom 2-3 weeks after the appearance of the first shoots.
It is better to sow eustoma seeds in small plastic cups with the addition of slightly moistened peat and sand to ensure loose soil. Sowing is carried out superficially, up to 5 pieces in each planting container. The cups are covered with film or glass.
During the first two months after sowing, young eustoma seedlings require good, versatile lighting for compact growth (preventing stretching). In early March, as soon as the spring sun begins to warm up, the seedlings should be placed on the windowsill, where the seedlings grow more actively.
The optimal temperature for seed germination is about 25 degrees. C.
Within a month from the moment of sowing, the seedlings are almost not watered; the moisture under the film is retained for a long time. Periodically, the bags need to be removed for ventilation. In the first one and a half, two months it is necessary to treat the seedlings with drugs that prevent black leg.
Fragile eustoma seedlings need to be planted in a separate container after 30-45 days. After the procedure, the picked seedlings are left alone for 10-14 days.
It is noteworthy that the tiny seedlings are extremely adaptable.
Growing outdoors
In the second ten days of May, the grown seedlings are planted in a flower bed. It is better to do this in the evening. At first, babies need to be protected from night frosts.
This exotic beauty prefers well-lit, sunny places. Eustoma needs moderate watering as the soil dries out.
Rapid flowering of eustoma begins in the second half of July and continues until October. This plant is easily pollinated, and later miniature boxes with small seeds are formed.
Growing in a pot
Eustoma is usually planted in small pots.Before purchasing a potted plant, pay attention to the overall appearance.
At home, place the eustoma on the sunny side, avoiding direct sunlight. Eustoma feels most comfortable at a temperature of about 25 degrees. C.
In summer, the flower needs abundant watering. Once a week, treat with solutions containing fertilizers for indoor flowers.
Application in floristry
Eustoma for cutting is grown taller than in decorative pots. The stems reach up to 80cm in length. It’s great that now leading florist companies can purchase this exotic plant at popular flower auctions throughout the year. You need to choose carefully and better those stems on which 3-4 flowers have opened, and all the other buds have acquired a characteristic color.
This delicate plant is sensitive to damage during transportation. Cut branches are best stored in a cool, ventilated area. In order for the cut eustoma to last as long as possible, the tips of the stems must be cut diagonally, after first removing the lower leaves. You can add half a teaspoon of universal flower fertilizer to the water. They can last in a flowerpot from 8 to 14 days.
Thanks to effectively carried out breeding work, many varieties and hybrids of this Atlantic beauty have now been obtained. And quite deservedly, eustoma has become a favorite among famous florists and ordinary amateur gardeners.
