Lisianthus Echo Mix (group 1) grown and photographed by our customer Alex at Coram Deo Farm in Oklahoma.
You may have noticed that Lisianthus varieties names sometimes (but not always!) contain a numeral as well, like Lisianthus Echo Mix (group 1) or Lisianthus Celeb 2 Misty Pink. This number indicates the bloom group of that specific variety and shade.
What is a Bloom Group?
Lisianthus bloom groups tell you in what order your Lisianthus will flower. Group 1 flowers first, followed by 2, 3, and 4.
Bloom initiation in Lisianthus is a complicated relationship between day length, light intensity and temperature.
You can plant all groups at one time without issue. Planting 6-8 weeks before your last frost gives them a long cool period in which to establish roots before the heat of summer. Lisianthus are a perennial in the wild, and this cool period will simulate winter for them. They can take some light frost after they are hardened off.
If you need to plant in a warmer time of year, choose group 2 or 3 Lisianthus as they won't be triggered to flower until they have developed a good root system.
Keep in mind that your unique growing conditions will affect bloom timing. It is possible that groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 transplanted on the same date will all bloom at the same time if they feel like it. It is difficult to program Lisianthus for a specific date, even for experienced growers.
If your season is long enough, you can expect a second flush of bloom from your Lisianthus. Some growers even report 2 or 3 additional flushes after the first harvest.