Eustoma ARENA ® FLASH PINK

Eustoma GRANDIFLORUM ® ARENA 'FLASH PINK' - Large-flowered eustoma Arena 'Flash Pink', Russell prairie gentian, Irish rose, Lisianthus.

Eustoma is a genus of very attractive ornamental flowering plants in the gentian family (Gentianaceae), native to the southern regions of North America. The genus is represented by only three species, of which the large-flowered eustoma has gained the greatest distribution and popularity due to its ornamental and breeding qualities. Among flower growers, the plant's second name, Russell prairie gentian, has become established.

The genus is represented by herbaceous perennials and annuals with sturdy stems and glaucous or green lanceolate leaves with a waxy coating. Stems reaching 80-90 cm (31-35 in) in height branch heavily from about the middle, so that a single plant looks like an entire bouquet and can count up to 30-40 buds. All varieties produce long flower stalks and are thus suitable for cutting, while profuse ornamental flowering makes the plant attractive for pot cultivation. Eustoma grown in pots reaches a height of 30 cm (12 in).

Large funnel-shaped, single or double flowers in delicate shades reach 7-8 cm (2.8-3.1 in) in diameter. Petals in white, blue, pink, lilac, and purple tones can have a colored border. Half-opened flowers resemble rosebuds, while fully opened blooms look like large poppies. Cut flowers last a long time.

Large-flowered eustoma forms long stems, at the top of which large, cup-shaped garden flowers appear in clusters of 10-12 buds consisting of numerous petals 4 cm (1.6 in) long. The delicate flowers are aesthetically complemented by silver-green lanceolate leaves, which provide a striking backdrop and pleasant setting for the tender petals.

The 'Arena' series has sturdy, branched stems up to 50 cm (20 in) tall, forming an entire bouquet of flowers at the top.

The 'Flash Pink' variety is distinguished by half-opened flowers resembling rosebuds with petals of a satin pink hue.

The seeds (very fine) are sown as thinly as possible on the surface and pressed in slightly or dusted with a very thin layer of potting mix, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in the sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided. Emerging sprouts are kept in a bright spot away from direct sunlight at a temperature of around 20 °C (68 °F). Seedlings with two pairs of true leaves are pricked out at a spacing of about 4 cm (1.6 in) apart or into individual containers in groups of 3.

Special notes: The seeds are fine, so for convenience they are coated in a special pelleting layer. However, it is very fragile and may be damaged in transit, turning into dust. This has no effect on the seeds themselves or their germination rate. The contents of the packet are simply poured onto the substrate.

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Eustoma is grown at home as a perennial potted plant or outdoors as an annual. Seeds are sown in spring or early autumn. If sown in February-March, flowering begins in the fifth month from the sowing date. To preserve the plant, it is pruned in autumn after flowering. Providing a cool overwintering period with minimal watering is recommended.

If sown in September, the first flowering occurs in spring, and the second toward the end of summer. Everything depends on lighting and temperature conditions. For proper development, the plant must form a leaf rosette before winter. In winter, seedlings are kept under cool conditions at around 12-14 °C (54-57 °F) and given supplemental lighting with fluorescent lamps if necessary. In spring, usually in early March, seedlings are pricked out into shallow flat bowls or pots, about three plants in each. A universal flower substrate is suitable for planting. Watering is done moderately to avoid waterlogging, to which the plants are very sensitive.