Eustoma grandiflorum Arena™ Apricot F1 | Group 3 Lisianthus

Eustoma grandiflorum Arena™ Apricot F1 is a professional Group 3 cut-flower lisianthus with large, double flowers in a sophisticated salmon-apricot shade. Arena™ Apricot combines thick petals, strong flower necks and sturdy 70–90 cm stems, making it an excellent variety for high-quality cut-flower production and modern floristry.

The warm apricot colouring has subtle salmon undertones, making this variety especially attractive for wedding floristry, summer and autumn bouquets, and soft warm-toned arrangements. With flowers approximately 8 cm across, good branching and strong stems, Arena™ Apricot produces substantial, elegant stems suitable for professional cutting.

Plant Information

• Botanical Name: Eustoma grandiflorum
• Common Name: Lisianthus
• Series: Arena™ F1
• Variety: Apricot
• Group: 3
• Family: Gentianaceae
• Flower Colour: Salmon-apricot
• Flower Size: Approx. 8 cm
• Plant Height: Approx. 70–90 cm
• Plant Habit: Upright, well branched
• Stem Strength: Strong
• Branching: Good
• Use: Professional cut flower
• Germination: Light required
• Germination Temperature: Approx. 20–22°C
• Germination Time: Approx. 20–25 days
• Seed Type: Pelleted seed

Warm Salmon-Apricot Flowers

Arena™ Apricot stands out for its unusual warm apricot colour with soft salmon undertones.

The large flowers reach approximately 8 cm in diameter and have thick petals that create a substantial, high-quality appearance. Strong flower necks support the blooms well, while sturdy stems make the variety particularly suitable for harvesting, handling and floral work.

The colour combines beautifully with cream, blush pink, peach, terracotta, soft yellow, burgundy and muted green foliage, making Arena™ Apricot especially versatile for sophisticated seasonal bouquets.

Group 3 Lisianthus

Arena™ Apricot belongs to Group 3, an important classification when planning lisianthus production.

Lisianthus varieties are grouped according to their flowering response and the growing conditions for which they are best suited. Group 3 varieties are generally intended for warmer and higher-light growing periods, making Arena™ Apricot particularly useful for summer production.

Actual flowering time will depend on sowing date, temperature, light levels and growing conditions.

When to Sow Lisianthus

Lisianthus develops slowly from seed, so early sowing is essential when plants are intended for cut-flower production.

For summer flowering, seeds are generally started indoors several months before the desired harvest period. Exact timing should be adjusted according to your climate, production system and whether plants will be grown outdoors or under protection.

Lisianthus seedlings grow slowly during their first stages, but once established they develop into strong cut-flower plants.

How to Sow Pelleted Lisianthus Seeds

Lisianthus seeds are extremely small and are commonly supplied as pelleted seeds, making accurate sowing considerably easier.

Fill plug trays with a fine, moist, well-drained seed-starting substrate.

Place 1 pelleted seed on the surface of each cell and gently press it against the substrate to ensure good contact.

Do not bury the seed. Lisianthus requires light for germination.

If desired, use only a very thin layer of fine vermiculite while ensuring that light can still reach the seed.

Maintain approximately 20–22°C during germination. Under suitable conditions, germination takes approximately 20–25 days for Arena™ Apricot.

It is particularly important that the pellet remains consistently moist until it has fully dissolved. Allowing the pellet to dry after sowing can significantly reduce germination.

Professional lisianthus production also requires careful management of moisture, temperature and light during the plug stage.

Growing the Seedlings

After germination, provide excellent light, good air circulation and careful moisture management.

Lisianthus seedlings should never be kept continuously waterlogged, but the young root system should also not be allowed to dry excessively.

Good light encourages compact, strong seedlings.

Lisianthus is particularly sensitive to excessive temperatures during the young seedling stage. Avoid prolonged high temperatures, as inappropriate conditions during early development can lead to rosetting, where plants remain vegetative instead of developing normal flowering stems.

Transplanting

Transplant when the seedlings have developed a healthy root system and are large enough to handle without damaging the roots.

Lisianthus prefers fertile, well-drained soil and a sunny growing position.

Avoid delaying transplanting for too long. Young plants establish best when transplanted before they become root-bound.

For professional cut-flower production, plants are usually grown relatively closely together and supported with horizontal flower netting as the stems lengthen.

Growing Arena™ Apricot

Arena™ Apricot develops strong, upright stems approximately 70–90 cm tall with good branching.

Maintain even moisture throughout active growth, but avoid waterlogged soil. Consistent nutrition and good growing conditions encourage long, strong stems and high-quality flowers.

Because Arena™ Apricot is a Group 3 variety, it is particularly suited to production when temperatures and light levels are higher.

The plants benefit from support netting, especially when grown for long, straight professional-quality stems.

Harvesting for Cut Flowers

Harvest when one or more flowers on the stem have opened, depending on the intended use and transport requirements.

Cut long stems with clean, sharp tools and place them immediately into clean water.

Lisianthus is highly valued as a cut flower because its elegant flowers combine a rose-like appearance with excellent vase performance and strong stems.

Arena™ Apricot is particularly beautiful in wedding bouquets, romantic garden-style arrangements and sophisticated summer-to-autumn colour palettes.

Why Grow Arena™ Apricot?

Unique salmon-apricot colour • Large approx. 8 cm flowers • Thick petals • Strong flower necks • Strong 70–90 cm stems • Good branching • Group 3 variety • Professional cut flower • Excellent for summer production • Beautiful for weddings and warm seasonal palettes

Eustoma grandiflorum Arena™ Apricot F1 is an excellent choice for cut-flower growers looking for a professional Group 3 lisianthus with large flowers, strong stems and a distinctive warm salmon-apricot colour.