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Lisianthus Cessna Blue coated seeds - Eustoma russelianu

Lisianthus russellianus Cessna Blue
Lisianthius, Lisianthus, Prairie gentian

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This hybrid Lisianthus offers large double flowers in a blue-violet colour on firm stems, perfect for cut flowers. The plants flower in summer, 11 to 16 weeks after transplanting. They are not very hardy, usually grown as annuals; young plants tolerate light frosts. Sow from January to March under cover for summer flowering, or in August-September in very mild climates with protection.
Flower size
7 cm
Height at maturity
80 cm
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
18 days
Sowing method
Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
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Sowing period January to March
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

Lisianthus F1 ‘Cessna Blue III’ (Eustoma grandiflorum) is distinguished by its double flowers in a lovely blue-violet colour and its long, straight stems perfect for making cut flower arrangements. Developed for summer cut flower production, this selection can be grown in the garden or under cover. The coated seeds are larger, simplifying sowing.

Belonging to the Gentianaceae family, Eustoma grandiflorum (syn. Eustoma russellianum, Lisianthus russellianus) is native to the warm, more or less humid prairies of the southern United States and northern Mexico. In the wild, it is a short-lived perennial, which can behave as an annual or biennial depending on conditions.
 ‘Cessna Blue III’ is an F1 hybrid intended to be planted from late spring to early summer, and picked in summer; this series is known for plant uniformity, strong stems, and good root vigour.
The habit of this lisianthus is upright; it develops one or more straight stems, bearing opposite, glaucous green, slightly fleshy leaves. Growth is initially slow and becomes more regular with warmth. In open ground, the plant reaches 70 to 90 cm in height; in a large pot, 40 to 60 cm. The root system, sensitive to excess water and late repotting, tends to anchor deeply.
The double flowers, full of petals, 6 to 8 cm in diameter, are arranged in terminal cymes; the colour of the ‘Cessna Blue III’ variety ranges from blue to deep violet. In temperate climates, flowering extends from July to September for sowings made from late winter to spring. The flowers have very good vase life (10 to 15 days). After flowering, capsules form, containing countless very fine seeds. The foliage disappears at the end of the season.

Intended for cut flowers, plant ‘Cessna Blue III’ densely (15–20 cm) in a bed, in fertile soil, with a support net if the site is windy. In the garden, plant it en masse and provide regular watering at the start. In a pot, choose a container 25–30 cm in diameter, an airy substrate, and place a thin stake. Combine it, for example, with Gypsophila paniculata ‘Flamingo’, statice 'Forever Silver', Ammi ‘Green Mist and white Cosmos 'Sensation Purity'. Also pair it with other Lisianthus from the Cessna III series in a different colour. In a contemporary border, mix these annuals with low grasses such as Pennisetum orientale 'JS Dance With Me' and a few white border dahlias 'Happy Single Princess'

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Lisianthus Cessna Blue coated seeds - Eustoma russelianu (Flowering) Flowering

Flowering

Flower colour blue
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Double, Cluster
Flower size 7 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Lisianthus

Species

russellianus

Cultivar

Cessna Blue

Family

Gentianaceae

Other common names

Lisianthius, Lisianthus, Prairie gentian

Botanical synonyms

Eustoma russellianum 'Cessna Blue', Bilamista grandiflora 'Cessna Blue'

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference24965

Planting and care

How to sow pelleted seeds of Lisianthus F1 Cessna Blue III: 
Under bright, heated cover: January to March for summer flowering (allow 12–15 weeks before planting out). Sowing is possible from December for well-equipped amateurs. Professionals under heated glass: October–November to advance the season.
In very mild climates, a sowing in August–September can be attempted under protection for early spring planting.

Sow on the surface, without covering, in a fine, sterile seed compost (pH 6.3–6.8) kept uniformly moist but never waterlogged; seeds need light to germinate. Ideal temperatures: 20–22°C until emergence (10–20 days), under a lid or film to retain moisture, then 18–20°C with good air circulation and 14–16 hours of light.

Water by capillary action, provide a gentle feed (low-strength complete fertiliser) and prick out into plug plants when seedlings have 2–3 true leaves, handling the root ball without breaking roots. Harden them off over 10–14 days (gradually more light and air) before planting out after all risk of frost.
In open ground, choose a spot in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil, cultivated deeply; plant at 15–20 cm spacing, mulch to retain moisture, install support netting if the site is exposed to wind, and water regularly at first, then less frequently once roots are established. Maintain steady growth with light applications of potassium-rich fertiliser (avoid excess ammoniacal nitrogen), monitor air circulation to limit Botrytis and damping off, and act quickly against aphids and thrips.
In containers, use a container at least 25–30 cm with drainage holes, filled with an aerated substrate (quality potting compost + 20–30% perlite or grit); water when the top 2 cm feels dry, allow to drain, and fertilise every 2–3 weeks at a light dose or with a slow-release fertiliser. Pinching out is not essential for cut flowers (it delays flowering), but can be attempted very early (at 4–6 leaf pairs) on pot-grown plants to encourage some decorative branching.

Growing temperatures after planting: 16–18°C at night and 18–24°C during the day; avoid excessive heat and watering on the flowers.
For harvesting, gather when the first flower is open, or the buds are well coloured; remove lower leaves, recut stems and place them quickly into clean water: vase life is excellent if the plant has grown without water stress.

Sowing period

Sowing period January to March
Sowing method Sowing under cover, Sowing under cover with heat
Germination time (days) 18 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow
Type of use Border, Cut flowers, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -4°C (USDA zone 9b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Experienced
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral
Soil moisture Moist soil Well-draining, rich

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