Lisianthus is a member of the Gentianaceae family. It is valued for its stunning funnel-shaped flowers that bloom on tall, straight stems. It has bluish-green, slightly succulent leaves and can grow up to 60–75 cm tall. Flowers are either single or double and are available in white, pink, purple, lavender, blue, and bicolours. In the flower industry, Lisianthus is valued for its rose-like features and is used as bouquets, arrangements, and as potted varieties. The flower is not so old in India but has already received much attention for its elegant outlook and good returns. Under appropriate climatic conditions and care, it can be a valuable addition to Indian floriculture.
Climate and Ideal Locations for Cultivation
Lisianthus requires a temperate climate and grows well between an elevation of 1,000 to 1,800 metres above sea level. Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, and Ooty in Tamil Nadu state of India are found to be the best places for growing lisianthus due to the cooler climate. The ideal daytime temperature is 20°C–24°C, and night temperatures should remain at 16°C–18°C. Such conditions facilitate heavy plant growth and high-quality flowers.
Excessive heat, particularly over 28°C in the first month following transplanting, can lead to a problem known as rosetting. It is a condition where the plant halts vertical growth and produces a dense leaf rosette rather than flowering. Humidity must be moderate. Sudden temperature fluctuations and poor airflow need to be avoided to have healthy plants.
Soil Preparation and Bed Management
Lisianthus requires loose, well-drained soil with high organic matter. Sandy loam or light-textured soil is most desirable. It needs to be at a pH between 6.5 and 7.2. If the soil is too alkaline or acidic, it will impact plant health, flower color, and stem hardness. Test the soil before planting and lime or add organic matter to the soil to correct the pH, if needed.
To avoid soil-borne diseases, sterilize the soil with formaldehyde or solarization. Sterilized soil must then be aerated for one week. Raised beds should be at least 15–20 cm high and should have compost or farm yard manure added to them. Basal fertilizers such as phosphorus and calcium should be applied since these promote root growth and flowering.
Seed Sowing and Seedling Management
Seeds are primarily used for propagation, although tissue culture and cuttings are employed by sophisticated growers. Lisianthus seeds are tiny (approximately 19,000 seeds per gram) and germinate slowly and finickily. Pelleted seeds should be used, and they should be commenced in plug trays.
Plant seeds from December to February in hilly areas. Plant the seeds in 392 or 406-cell trays, and have the seeds uncovered, as light germination is needed. Sow the seeds between 21°C–24°C during day time and 18°C–21°C night. Use a fine mist to water without disturbing the seeds. The germination takes place from 10–15 days.
As seedling development is slow in the initial stages, use water-soluble fertilizers such as calcium nitrate (1.5 g/l) and NPK 19:19:19 (1 g/l) once a week after 30 days of planting. When seedlings reach 4–5 pairs of true leaves, they are transplanted after around 65–80 days.
Transplanting and Spacing
Transplant seedlings when they get root-bound. Roots may start circling when growing in trays. Plant growth will be checked by circling roots. Plant spacing during transplanting should be 30 cm × 25 cm for optimum growth. According to the amount of light, plant density will differ:
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High light: 84–96 plants/m²
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Low light: 64 plants/m²
Provide the crop with sufficient light, but protect from hot summer sun with shade nets.
Irrigation and Fertilizer Requirements
Water lightly and repeatedly in the early phase. As the plants develop, keep moderate moisture. Don't overwater, causing root rot. Apply drip irrigation when available for even moisture.
For fertilizers, use an NPK-balanced fertilizer every two weeks. Calcium promotes healthy buds and strong stems. Use low nitrogen in the first phase to avoid leafy growth and delayed flowering.
Flowering and Harvest
Lisianthus plants produce more than one bud per stem. Flowers open one at a time, and every flower can survive for 7–14 days after opening. The entire plant can continue flowering for approximately 4–5 weeks.
It should be harvested with the first flower fully open and the second one just ready to open. Gently handle flowers and use clean scissors to prevent bruising. Harvested stems should be immediately placed in clean, flower-preservative-containing water to increase shelf life.
Market Potential and Farmer Profitability
Lisianthus is already in the top ten of cut flowers in the world and has increasing demand in Indian markets, particularly in wedding decorators and export houses. Double varieties such as 'Echo Pink', 'Blue Picotee', and 'Bolero White' are most in demand. Exotic look and long vase life make Lisianthus command premium prices.
In domestic markets, one stem can fetch between Rs. 15–Rs. 25, whereas in export markets it can fetch much more. Crop growers in hilly areas or through protected cultivation (such as polyhouses) can earn sufficiently from this crop if marketed adequately.
For Indian flower producers, Lisianthus is a profitable crop, particularly in cooler climates. With the right care, it can be cultivated well, has a high demand, and yields good profits. Lisianthus has the potential to become a major role in India's floriculture industry with greater knowledge and assistance from agricultural extension agencies. Lisianthus is a crop that farmers seeking a high-value crop should definitely attempt.
