Hybrid

Rosanne 2 Terracotta

Eustoma grandiflorum

Wikimedia Commons via Eustoma russellianum

Harvest

140-150d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

☀️

Zones

8–10

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

1-3 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Rosanne 2 Terracotta in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Rosanne 2 Terracotta · Zones 8–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-draining loam or potting mix amended with peat moss or coconut coir; avoid heavy clay

WaterConsistent moisture but well-drained; water when top inch of soil is dry, avoid waterlogging

SeasonWarm season annual

ColorAntique terracotta

Size2-3"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—

Complete Growing Guide

Ruffled 2-3" blooms in an antique terracotta hue. Group 2, for early spring to summer harvest. Compared to Rosanne 3 Brown, Rosanne 2 Terracotta is slightly earlier to flower and has blooms that are fuller, more heavily ruffled, and warmer in color (Rosanne 3 Brown has a bit more purple in its coloration). Lisianthus is also known as prairie gentian, Texas bluebell, and showy prairie gentian. Pelleted seeds. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Rosanne 2 Terracotta is 140 - 150 days to maturity, annual, hybrid (f1). Notable features: Greenhouse Performer, Use for Cut Flowers and Bouquets.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 9 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Seed.

Harvesting

Rosanne 2 Terracotta reaches harvest at 140 - 150 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. Expect 2-3" at peak. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.

This is an ornamental variety — not grown for harvest. Enjoy in the garden landscape.

Storage & Preservation

Freshly cut Rosanne 2 Terracotta stems last 10-14 days in a cool room (65-72°F) with a clean vase filled with flower food and cool water changed every 2-3 days. Remove lower foliage completely to prevent bacterial rot. If you're growing for florist use or special events, cut stems can be held at 40°F for 2-3 days before arranging—this extends their display window significantly. Lisianthus doesn't freeze well due to its delicate structure, and drying methods produce brittle, fragile flowers unsuitable for most arrangements. For preservation, press individual petals between paper and cardboard for 2-3 weeks; dried terracotta petals retain color beautifully and work well in crafts or potpourri.

History & Origin

Rosanne 2 Terracotta is an F1 hybrid developed through controlled cross-pollination. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Nebraska south to Texas.

Advantages

+Earlier flowering than Rosanne 3 Brown allows for extended harvest window
+Fuller, more heavily ruffled blooms command premium pricing in markets
+Warm terracotta hue offers unique color option for upscale floral arrangements
+140-150 day maturity fits spring to summer production schedules well
+Easy difficulty rating makes it accessible for less experienced growers

Considerations

-Lisianthus requires consistent moisture; overwatering causes root rot and fungal issues
-Pelleted seeds have lower germination rates than raw seed alternatives
-Terracotta color may fade or shift under excessive heat or light stress

Companion Plants

Marigolds (Tagetes patula specifically) and Sweet Alyssum are the most useful neighbors for Rosanne 2 Terracotta. Tagetes patula releases root exudates that suppress soil nematodes, and its scent disrupts the host-finding behavior of aphids that would otherwise zero in on lisianthus stems. Sweet Alyssum pulls in parasitic wasps and hoverflies whose larvae feed on both aphids and thrips — the two pests most likely to hit this crop during propagation. Keep Black Walnut trees well away; juglone, the compound walnut roots and husks release, is toxic to a wide range of ornamentals, and Eustoma is not known to be tolerant of it. Sunflowers are a subtler problem — they cast enough shade to slow a sun-dependent annual and produce their own allelopathic residues in the soil.

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial insects

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and provides ground cover

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles, adding pest protection

Petunias

Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs through natural compounds

Lavender

Deters pests with aromatic oils and attracts pollinators like bees

Zinnia

Attracts beneficial insects and butterflies while providing complementary colors

Catmint

Repels ants, aphids, and mosquitoes while attracting beneficial pollinators

Cosmos

Attracts beneficial insects and provides structural support in mixed plantings

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Produce juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill sensitive plants

Eucalyptus

Releases allelopathic compounds that suppress growth of nearby plants

Sunflowers

Can inhibit growth through allelopathy and compete heavily for nutrients and water

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, thrips, spider mites (typically in greenhouse or indoor seed-starting conditions)

Diseases

Powdery mildew, botrytis (gray mold), root rot from overwatering

Troubleshooting Rosanne 2 Terracotta

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Seedlings collapsing at the soil line, 10–21 days after germination

Likely Causes

Damping off (Pythium or Rhizoctonia spp.) — fungal rot triggered by overwatering and poor airflow in seed-starting trays
Soil-less mix staying too wet between waterings

What to Do

1.Water seedlings from the bottom — set trays in a shallow dish and let the mix wick up moisture, then drain after 20 minutes
2.Run a small fan on low near the trays to keep air moving across the surface
3.If damping off has already hit, pull the affected cells and drench remaining seedlings with a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% H2O2 to 9 parts water)

White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, usually after plants are 6+ inches tall

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe spp.) — common in warm days with cool nights and low airflow
Plants spaced under 12 inches apart, which blocks circulation between stems

What to Do

1.Spray affected foliage with a potassium bicarbonate solution (follow label rates) at first sign; don't wait until coverage is heavy
2.Space transplants at least 12 inches apart and avoid overhead watering in the evening
3.Remove and trash (not compost) any heavily coated leaves

Silvery streaking or stippling on petals and upper leaves, with tiny dark frass specks visible

Likely Causes

Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) — especially common during indoor seed-starting or greenhouse propagation
Western flower thrips can also transmit impatiens necrotic spot virus, which deforms new growth and is untreatable once established

What to Do

1.Hang blue or yellow sticky traps at plant height to monitor and knock back adult populations
2.Apply spinosad-based spray (OMRI-listed options available) early in the morning when thrips are feeding on the surface
3.Inspect new transplants carefully before moving them outdoors — thrips hitch rides easily on foliage

Stems and buds developing gray fuzzy patches, especially during cool or humid stretches

Likely Causes

Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) — thrives between 65–75°F with high humidity and stagnant air
Overhead irrigation or rain leaving foliage wet for more than a few hours at a time

What to Do

1.Cut out all affected tissue with clean shears and bag it immediately — Botrytis spores spread fast when disturbed
2.Thin any plants sitting closer than 12 inches apart and deadhead spent blooms before they collapse and become infection sites
3.Switch to drip or base watering if you've had repeat outbreaks; wet foliage overnight is how this disease gets its foothold

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Rosanne 2 Terracotta lisianthus take to grow from seed to bloom?▼

Rosanne 2 Terracotta is a Group 2 variety, maturing in 140-150 days from seed to first flower. Starting indoors 10-12 weeks before your last frost and transplanting after frost gives you blooms by early to mid-summer in most regions. This faster maturity is one of the Rosanne series' key advantages—earlier groups like Rosanne 1 (130-140 days) are even speedier, while Rosanne 3 requires 160+ days.

Can you grow Rosanne 2 Terracotta lisianthus in containers or pots?▼

Yes, Rosanne 2 Terracotta thrives in containers. Use a 12-16 inch pot with premium, well-draining potting soil mixed with additional perlite for air space. Container growing actually reduces root rot risk if drainage holes are clear. Place in full sun to partial shade, water when the top inch is dry, and use drip irrigation or soaker hoses if possible. Container plants may need staking as they reach full height.

What's the difference between Rosanne 2 Terracotta and Rosanne 3 Brown lisianthus?▼

Rosanne 2 Terracotta flowers 10-20 days earlier than Rosanne 3 Brown (Group 2 vs Group 3), making it ideal for shorter growing seasons. Rosanne 2's blooms are fuller and more heavily ruffled, with a warm antique terracotta tone, while Rosanne 3 Brown is slightly later, less heavily ruffled, and has more purple undertones in its coloration. Choose Rosanne 2 for earlier harvests and more dramatic petal texture.

Is Rosanne 2 Terracotta lisianthus good for beginners?▼

Rosanne 2 Terracotta is rated Easy to grow compared to other premium cut flowers, but it's not beginner-proof. The main challenge is avoiding overwatering—these plants need good drainage and infrequent, deep watering. Germination is slow (10-14 days), requiring patience. If you're comfortable with seed-starting and can provide consistent moisture without waterlogging, Rosanne 2 is an excellent entry into lisianthus growing. First-time success tips: use well-draining seed mix, maintain air circulation, and don't overwater seedlings.

When should you plant Rosanne 2 Terracotta lisianthus seeds?▼

Start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before your last spring frost date to have transplant-ready seedlings by frost's end. For example, if your last frost is May 15, sow seeds around mid-February. This timing gives plants time to mature and begin flowering by early summer (140-150 days). In very warm climates (Zones 10-11), you can sow in late summer for winter/early spring harvest.

How much sun does Rosanne 2 Terracotta lisianthus need?▼

Rosanne 2 Terracotta requires full sun to partial shade—at least 4-6+ hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. In hot climates (90°F+), afternoon shade (2-4 PM) reduces heat stress and extends blooming. In cool or cloudy regions, maximum light improves flower quality and speed. Insufficient light produces leggy plants with fewer blooms and increased disease susceptibility.