Lisianthus: New cut flower crop for mid Himalayan region

Abstract

Lisianthus [Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf). Shinn] is a promising new flower crop that has been recently introduced in India. This flower crop is gaining tremendous popularity in the floral industry worldwide due to its rose-like flowers, excellent post-harvest life, and blue flowers. Lisianthus can be used as either cut flowers or as flowering pot plants and flowers are available in various colours, such as blue, purple, white, pink and bicolour. Its flowers are widely used for making bridal bouquets and many other special flower arrangements. This flower crop can be successfully cultivated under the moderate climate of mid Himalayan region. This crop has been recently introduced at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Katrain, Kullu, HP and the agro-techniques have been standardized for its successful cultivation under mid Himalayan region.