How to Grow Lisianthus

One of the best cut flowers, this annual (grows just one year) wildflower grows 6 to 28 inches tall and resembles a rose. It's available in blue, pink, and white. In the vase, it will last up to three weeks - a remarkable feat for a flower.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bypass Pruners
• Mulch
• Plants
• Fertilizers
• Compost Makers

1. Buy healthy, green plants with no signs of wilting or disease. Plants should be stocky with plenty of leaves. It's actually a plus if they don't have any flowers on them so that they'll divert their early energy into root development rather than flowering.

2. 

   Choose a site that has full sun to partial shade. Lisianthus also likes moist, well-drained soil. It's a good idea to work a spadeful or two of compost into the soil at planting time.

3. 

   Plant in spring after your region's last frost date. Lisianthus is tricky to start from seed, so look for seedlings at your local nursery.

4. Plant six inches apart and water well.

5. 

   Keep soil evenly moist. (Mulch is a good idea.)

6. Trim faded flowers to promote longer bloom.

7. Fertilize every four to six weeks or work in a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

8. Discard plant after frost fells it in the fall.