Expert: C.L. Fornari - 8/11/2010

Question
I judt purchased a lisianthus. It is a pretty purple flower. I have never seen this plant before. I don't know if it is an annual or a prennial, or how to care for it. Does it need a lot of sun? Can it grow in the house by a sunny window all year, or will it die over the summer.
Thank you for any information you can give me.
Judy

Answer
Judy,
Yes, a Lisianthus is a beautiful plant when it's in bloom. It is an annual, and grows well just in the summer. Grow this plant in a bright, sunny window indoors, or in at least 4 hours of sun outside. Keep soil evenly moist but don't let the plant sit in water. This plant wants "moist but well-drained" soil, which translates to feeling the soil daily, and watering when the surface gets dry, but never allowing the soil to pull away from the put as it dries, and be sure that the pot has holes that drain into a dish that you empty after the water drains out.

If you pinch off the flowers as they wilt, this will help stimulate more flowers. Once this plant stops producing blooms, however, it's time to thank it for coming and toss it in the compost.
Enjoy!
C.L.