How to Grow Lisianthus From Seed

Seed to Seedling Stage

• 1

  Find a location that has a temperature that stays below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Lisianthus seeds have sensitivity to temperatures over 75 F. If you live in a location that experiences extremely hot weather, grow lisianthus in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, with a temperature of 75 F or lower so that the seeds will not go into resting stage. The seeds will have a hard time growing into young plants when they go into resting stage and may only produce unhealthy plants that do not become large enough to move out to the garden.

• 2

  Sow seeds from mid-December to January or approximately 16 to 22 weeks before the first frost. Spread the seeds in a shallow planting tray containing fine peat and vermiculite potting medium.

• 3

  Apply water sparingly with a spray bottle. Do not over-water; just keep the potting medium moist.

• 4

  Cover the top of the tray with plastic wrap. Securing the plastic with rubber band will keep in moisture.

• 5

  Place fluorescent light 1/2 to 1 inch above the container. Give at least 16 hours of light each day until the seedlings start to sprout, which may take roughly two weeks.

• 6

  Remove the plastic cover once the seedlings -- tiny plants with small leaves -- emerge.

• 7

  Adjust the fluorescent lamp to 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the top of the young seedlings. Don't allow the temperature to fall below 60 F.

• 8

  Add water sparingly, enough to keep the young seedlings moist. Do not over-water.

• 9

  Provide the seedlings with good ventilation by opening windows to let in some fresh air.

• 10

  Feed the seedlings with calcium fertilizer once a week until the roots and first leaves start to develop.

Seedlings to Young Plants

• 11

  Transplant into four-pack containers seven to eight weeks after seedlings have developed. Four-pack planters will give plants more space to develop into young plants. Take great care when transplanting the young seedlings. Avoid breaking the fragile roots. At this stage, the plant will no longer go into resting stage; therefore, you'll no longer need to maintain the temperature to below 75 F.

• 12

  Apply water from the bottom to avoid breaking plants during watering.

• 13

  Move seedlings out into the garden once they transform into younglings, which are 3 to 4 inches tall and have three to four sets of true leaves. Plant the young plants in well-drained but moist soil that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

• 14

  Water the plants daily or when the soil starts to dry out but is not completely dry.