How to Grow Tiffany Stem

Tiffany Stem

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) 'Tiffany'

flower

Tiffany is an elegant lisianthus cultivar prized for its large, ruffled double flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, or bicolor. These sophisticated blooms resemble roses or peonies and are popular in floral arrangements and cut flower gardening. The plant typically grows 24-36 inches tall with a long vase life when harvested.

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Example Tiffany Stem timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Tiffany Stem
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Tiffany Stem blooms
Around Jul 26

≈ 100 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tiffany Stem dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun to partial shade; 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid fungal issues on foliage. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months. Lisianthus prefers moderate humidity.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 100-150 days from seed to first flowers; 60-90 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Seeds: Surface sow or barely cover (needs light to germinate); Transplants: Plant at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter

pH: 6.0-6.8

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss or coco coir Perlite for drainage Balanced slow-release fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Best in zones 5-10; can be grown as annual or greenhouse plant in colder zones

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

Seed Germination

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with narrow cotyledons. Lisianthus seeds are extremely fine and require high humidity and consistent moisture.

Provide bottom heat (70-75°F), high humidity under lights or clear dome, and bright indirect light. Germination takes 10-14 days.

Seedling Development

4-6 weeks

First true leaves appear; plants remain small and develop slowly. Growth is deliberately slow to encourage strong root development.

Maintain high humidity, provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily, avoid overwatering. Thin seedlings or transplant to individual cells at 2-3 true leaves.

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops multiple stem branches and dense foliage. Stems become sturdy and leaves elongate. No flower buds visible yet.

Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if starting indoors. Pinch growing tips when 6-8 inches tall to encourage branching and more flower stems. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Budding & Flowering

8-12 weeks or more

Terminal flower buds form at branch tips. Buds swell and open into large double ruffled flowers. Blooms appear in succession over many weeks.

Provide consistent moisture and fertilize every 2 weeks with bloom-promoting formula (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus). Stake tall varieties for support. Remove faded flowers to encourage more blooms.

Peak Bloom & Harvest

4-8 weeks ongoing

Maximum number of open flowers; blooms are at their most attractive with fully ruffled petals and vibrant color.

Harvest stems in early morning when flowers are fully open. Cut at an angle, remove lower foliage, and place immediately in cool water. Change water every 2-3 days.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sweet alyssum Dusty miller Snapdragons Stock Delphinium Salvia Calibrachoa

Avoid planting near:

Plants with aggressive root systems Heavy feeders competing for nutrients Plants prone to powdery mildew (for air circulation)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
Increase humidity, spray with water, apply miticide if severe; avoid dusty conditions
Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil; maintain good air circulation
Improve air circulation, reduce humidity, apply sulfur or fungicide; remove infected foliage
Use well-draining soil, water at soil level only, avoid overwatering; apply fungicide if needed

Uses

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Edible Garnish

Culinary

While not commonly eaten, lisianthus petals can be used as elegant garnishes on desserts, cocktails, and gourmet dishes. Ensure flowers are grown without pesticides if intended for consumption. [source]

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Premium Cut Flower Arrangements

Household

Tiffany lisianthus is highly prized by florists for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and premium floral arrangements. Its large ruffled double blooms and long vase life make it a luxury cut flower comparable to roses and peonies. [source]

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Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

Lisianthus flowers can be dried for long-lasting arrangements and crafts. Hang-dry the stems in bundles in a dark, well-ventilated space, or use silica gel for faster drying and better color retention. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

Lisianthus flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, supporting local ecosystems and beneficial insect populations. [source]

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Traditional Folk Uses

Medicinal

In some traditional systems, lisianthus has been used in herbal preparations, though there is limited scientific evidence for specific medicinal properties. Consult healthcare providers before any therapeutic use. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut stems in early morning when flowers are fully open but before the heat of the day. Use sharp, clean scissors and cut at a 45-degree angle. Remove lower foliage below the waterline. Place immediately in cool water with cut flower food. Tiffany lisianthus typically lasts 10-14 days in a vase with proper care.

Fun Facts

🌱 Lisianthus seeds are among the tiniest of all flower seeds—roughly 10,000 seeds weigh only 1 gram—making them notoriously difficult to handle and requiring special attention during germination.
🌱 The name 'Tiffany' is part of a premium lisianthus series bred specifically for the floral industry, with each variety in the series named after luxury brand locations; these cultivars are prized by professional florists worldwide.
🌱 Although lisianthus is native to warm regions of South America and the Caribbean, it has become a major commercial cut flower crop, rivaling roses and carnations in some markets, especially in Japan and Europe.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Germination Partial Shade pH Transplant True Leaves

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