Lisianthus Grandiflorum Croma III Pink Picotee

Lisianthus grandiflorum Croma III Pink Picotee Seeds

(F1 Lisianthus — Group 3 White with Pink Picotee Edge)

Eustoma grandiflorum Croma III Pink Picotee is a standout variety within the Croma series, bred by Takii. Croma Pink Picotee has earned the nickname “Bridal Kiss” — as if the rose-like flower received a sweet little touch of color on the top of its thick and strong petals. Croma is the lisianthus series characterized by mid-sized flowers, with sturdy stems and thick petals that make it an excellent variety to transport. Croma is attractive to florists because of its versatility in arrangements and great consumer appeal.

Croma has excellent rose-like flowers. Its thick, strong petals and extra-double flowers set it apart as a premium variety. Due to the strength of the flowers and stems. The picotee coloration of Croma III Pink Picotee is one of the most elegant and versatile color effects in the lisianthus range. The flowers are white with soft pink edges — so double they resemble a sweetheart rose, with medium-sized flowers and thick petals on strong stems that make them durable. The crisp white base with the delicate pink picotee edge creates a romantic, bridal quality that makes this variety universally adaptable in floral design — equally at home in pure white wedding arrangements where it adds a blush accent, in pastel mixed bouquets, and in structured florist displays.

The Croma series produces plants averaging 70–90 cm in height with flowers averaging 7–8 cm in diameter. As a Group 3 main-season variety, Croma III Pink Picotee flowers on the standard main-season production schedule — approximately two weeks after Group 2 varieties when planted at the same time, ideal for succession programs alongside earlier-blooming series.
Croma is attractive to florists with its versatility in arrangements along with its high consumer appeal. The “Bridal Kiss” nickname reflects the near-universal sentiment of florists and consumers who encounter this variety for the first time.

Variety Details

• Variety: Croma III Pink Picotee
• Series: Croma F1
• Breeder: Takii
• Species: Eustoma grandiflorum
• Common names: Lisianthus, Prairie Gentian, Texas Bluebell
• Nickname: “Bridal Kiss”
• Family: Gentianaceae
• Hybrid type: F1
• Flower color: White with soft pink picotee edge
• Flower form: Extra-double, mid-sized, rose-like — thick petals
• Flower diameter: 7–8 cm
• Lisianthus group: Group 3 (main season)
• Height: 65–90 cm
• Germination: 10–20 days at 20–22°C with light
• Cold-chain suitability: Excellent — thick petal structure resists transit damage

Key Features

• Distinctive “Bridal Kiss” picotee — white flowers with delicate soft pink edge; romantic, universally versatile.
• Extra-double, thick-petalled flowers — superior cold-chain shipping durability over thinner-petalled varieties.
• Mid-sized flower form — ideal proportion for versatility in both large and delicate arrangements.
• Strong sturdy stems 65–90 cm — professional cut flower performance.
• Highly attractive to florists — exceptional consumer appeal and arrangement versatility.
• Group 3 main-season variety — standard professional production window.
• Outstanding vase life — thick petals support 14–21 days longevity.
• Pelleted seeds for easier handling and sowing.

Plant Information

• Habit: Upright, well-branched
• Flower form: Extra-double, mid-sized, thick petals
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, high in organic matter, pH 6.5–6.8
• Water: Consistent moisture — do not allow to dry out; avoid waterlogging
• Spacing: 10–15 cm for cut flower production

Seed Germination — Read Carefully

• Seed form: Fine pelleted seeds — handle carefully; do not crush pellet
• Seed depth: Surface sow or very light vermiculite dusting — light required for germination
• Germination time: 10–20 days at 20–22°C
• Germination temperature: 20–22°C — do not exceed 25°C
• Pre-cooling option: After sowing and wetting pellets, cover trays with plastic at 100% humidity and place in cold storage at 4–8°C for 4 weeks without light, then move to greenhouse to initiate germination. This pre-cooling treatment helps prevent rosetting.
• Sow pelleted seeds into deep 288-cell trays in fine, sterile, well-draining seed-starting mix at pH 6.5–6.8. Press pellets lightly
• onto the surface or cover with a fine dusting of vermiculite to maintain moisture.
• Water gently until the pellet material has fully broken down. Maintain 100% humidity by covering trays. Keep consistently moist at all times during germination — pellets must not dry out. Germination takes 10–20 days.

Growing Tips

• The growing requirements for Croma III Pink Picotee are consistent with all professional Takii lisianthus varieties.
• The fundamental principles are controlled temperature 20–22°C, consistent moisture, full light, and protected growing environment.
• Maintain consistent temperatures between 20–22°C throughout germination and early seedling development.
• High temperatures (above 25°C) promote rosetting and must be avoided.
• Inconsistent moisture and low light are secondary risk factors for rosetting and bud blasting respectively.
• Transplant to final growing beds or large containers 12–13 weeks after sowing, at 10–15 cm spacing in well-drained, organic-matter-rich medium at pH 6.5–6.8. Apply a biological fungicide at planting to protect against root pathogens.
• Transplant plugs at the correct stage — 4 true leaves (2 nodes).
• Under short-day conditions, extend day length to 16 hours with supplemental lighting to prevent bud blasting.
• Night temperatures must remain above 13°C when using supplemental lighting.
• For cut flower harvest, cut stems when one or more flowers are fully colored and open.
• Harvest when one flower is fully colored. The flower does not need to be fully open.
• Stems Flower Farm Condition in clean water with floral preservative at 5–8°C before arranging.
  In Gulf conditions, sow Augst under protected cultivation, transplant January–February, and expect flowering March–May.

Croma vs. Arena vs. Corelli Sugoi — Series Comparison

• All three are premium Takii F1 Group III lisianthus of similar height, suited for professional cut flower production. The key distinction is flower size and petal form.
• Arena produces large smooth fully double flowers in clear single colors — classic refined quality. Corelli Sugoi produces extra-large, heavily fringed and ruffled double flowers — maximum opulence and texture. Croma produces mid-sized, extra-double flowers with notably thick petals — superior transportability and cold-chain durability, with the added advantage of the distinctive picotee bicolor in this variety.
• Choose Croma for arrangements where petal durability, versatility, and a softer, more understated romance are the priorities.

Gulf Planting Season

• Best sowing time in the Gulf: Augst (indoors, protected environment)
• Transplanting: 12–13 weeks after sowing — January–February
• Expected flowering: March–May
• Note: Protected cultivation strongly recommended. Consistent temperature 20–22°C, full light, and careful moisture management are essential.

Cut Flower Harvesting Guide

• Harvest stage: When one or more flowers on the stem are fully colored — flower need not be fully open
• Conditioning: Re-cut stems; place in clean water with floral preservative at 5–8°C for 2–4 hours
• Vase life: 14–21 days — thick petals support exceptional longevity
• Tip: Remove first bud to encourage lateral buds to develop and flower together for a fuller stem

Garden and Floral Uses

• Professional cut flower production — indoor/protected growing
• Wedding and bridal floristry — the “Bridal Kiss” picotee is universally versatile
• Premium mixed bouquets — white, pink picotee complements all color palettes
• Specialty cut flower markets
• Long-lasting luxury arrangements