Anyone grow lisianthus?

[jools]

Hi all,
I have just received some lisianthus plants from T&M and am a bit confused about what to do with them next. The instructions tell me to plant on in peat based compost with extra perlite. I can find peat but not peat based compost and I can't find perlite anywhere. Perhaps I'm making it harder than it needs to be. Shall I just mix some peat with the ordinary compost? I really really want to succeed with these as I want them for cut flowers but, having looked them up on the net, I can feel a big disappointment coming on....
Jools

[Waffler]

Ooh Lisianthus! How lovely. I had those in my wedding bouquet - they make lovely cut flowers don't they?
I don't grow them and never have, but on the subject of perlite, I'm sure I got mine last year from B&Q - think it was with the seed/houseplant etc. compost.
Also, I'm no expert, but I don't see why peat shouldn't just be added to regular compost, if that's what they require.

[Sue]

Hi
I've got some coming from ebay but there were no special instructions listed (maybe coming with the plants?) so I was intending to give them a nice ordinary compost filled hole in my allotment flower border.
Sue

[Lavenderblue]

I tried to grow some and had a big old disappointing nightmare. Not one single seed germinated. the instructions on my pack told me I needed to sow the seeds on top of compost, so they weren't covered at all. Unfortunately, not one single seed sprouted after weeks and weeks and weeks.

I gave up, I hope you have more success.

[Two_Sheds]

Lisianthus are found in warm regions of the Southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America. I suspect UK is just not warm enough for them. What about in a greenhouse?

[mrs dog]

If you buy an erecasious compost you will be fine. Put the seeds on top then just sprinkle vermiculite on top. It's about £1.20 for a 1litre bag at wilkos. Put some in an ordinary tray and then put some in a pot and tie it up in a plastic bag and put it on top of a radiator and see which ones come through first. Good luck they are beautiful plants.

[jools]

Thanks everyone. I have bought little plants, not seeds, so I don't have that problem. I have some erecasious compost so will use that. The instructions seem to suggest they can go outside after the risk of frost has past and I have a hot spot in the garden for them but I'll keep a few in the greenhouse. I'll let you know how I get on.
Jools

[Lavenderblue]

ohhhhh don't give up with them! i just checked my seed tray and a few have sprouted - has taken since 18 february but a few have come up. they are tiny tiny little seedlings but they have germinated!

[jools]

Great! I have planted my little plants in pots and they are coming on really well - so fingers crossed.
Jools

[Lavenderblue]

I bumped this - how are you getting on with your Lisis?

[pmc]

My 21 plug plants arrived about a month ago & I just potted them up into mp compost . They are going great guns & I have just moved them outside to the greenhouse. Can`t wait till they get big enough to plant out.

[airydisc2004]

Lisianthus

I received several plug plants of Lisianthus Indulgence in late April. Potted them in compost in small pots indoors, kept them appropriately watered, but they have not grown at all since they arrived. Tried placing some in the garden, but these also have not grown at all. They are all the same size plants as when they arrived. Any ideas what is going on anyone?

Thanks

airydisc

[jools]

They don't seem to grow much, do they? I have some now planted outdoors and some are still in pots in the greenhouse, but I don't think I have anything above 5ins tall. They seem sturdy enough, but don't seem to be doing anything much. Ho hummmm - will report back when something happens.....

Julie

[pmc]

Jools, anything happening yet? Mine haven`t grown much & are probably 5inches tall. Got fed up with them in the greenhouse so have now planted them all outside. Any idea when they flower or if they flower more like?

[Lavenderblue]

frustrating things. My seedlings are still that, just seedlings, less than a centimeter tall, no flowers, no growth, nothing. Bahhh.