Across the prairies, forests and coastlines of North America, native wild roses grew long before European ships appeared on the horizon. These roses, such as Rosa carolina, Rosa virginiana, Rosa nutkana and Rosa woodsii, were not bred for beauty. They were shaped by wind, winter and time. Their true treasure was not the flower at all. It was the bright red rosehip left behind once the petals fell.
Indigenous communities understood the importance of these fruits. Through long winters, rosehips were dried, brewed into teas, turned into syrups and added to food as a source of strength. Rosehips are naturally rich in vitamin C. They hold one of the highest concentrations found in any wild plant across the continent. For generations this small fruit supported wellness and resilience when fresh food was scarce.

When sailors arrived during the age of exploration, they faced a deadly problem. Months at sea meant no fresh food, which led to scurvy. Indigenous knowledge offered a solution. Sailors learned to use dried rosehips from North American shores to create teas that supported their health during long voyages. Rosehips were light to carry and remained nutrient rich even after drying. As a result, they became a simple and reliable protection at sea.
This quiet plant became part of maritime history and a bridge between cultures. The wisdom of how to use rosehips travelled across the Atlantic just as the ships did.

This morning, we are seeding our Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)—one of the most breathtaking cut flowers we grow on the farm. Often mistaken for a rose, Lisianthus has delicate, ruffled petals and comes in an array of colors, from soft pinks and purples to vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and even blue.

Growing Lisianthus: A Fickle Yet Rewarding FlowerUnlike roses, which I am less familiar with, Lisianthus is notoriously tricky to grow. We plant ours in the hoophouse because rain can stain the petals, reducing their beauty as a cut flower. This is a flower that demands patience—it requires a long growing season, which is why we are starting our seeds now at the end of February.

In the past, we seeded Lisianthus in January, following the lead of other farmers. However, this year, our seeds were delayed in Canadian Customs for over 40 days, despite being ordered from a large, reputable seed supplier. This setback meant adjusting our planting schedule, but we’re hopeful these blooms will still thrive.
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A Cut Flower That Lasts for Weeks ~ One of the best qualities of Lisianthus is its exceptionally long vase life. Unlike some flowers that wilt within days, I have had Lisianthus stems last for weeks in the farm shop. This durability makes them a top choice for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and floral displays.

How We Condition Our Cut Flowers for LongevityTo ensure the freshest, longest-lasting flowers, we carefully condition every bloom. Here’s our process:
🌸 Harvesting at the Coolest Part of the Day – Whenever possible, we cut our flowers early in the morning or late in the evening.
🌸 Immediate Cooling – The flowers are placed in our cooler at 0.5°C for a minimum of 24 hours.
🌸 Similar to Blanching Vegetables ~ Just like blanching stops vegetables from overcooking, cooling flowers helps preserve their freshness and extend their lifespan in the vase.

The Symbolism & Origins of Lisianthus ~ Beyond its beauty, Lisianthus carries deep meaning. It symbolizes gratitude, appreciation, and charisma, making it a perfect flower for gifts and special occasions. Interestingly, it is also the birth flower for those born under the Sagittarius zodiac sign.
Lisianthus, also known as prairie gentian or bluebell gentian, is native to prairies and fields stretching from northern Mexico up to Colorado and Nebraska. Depending on the variety, it can be grown as an annual or biennial, with single or branching stems reaching up to 3 feet tall.

Looking Ahead ~ Despite the challenges of growing Lisianthus, we remain committed to cultivating these elegant blooms. As we watch these tiny seeds develop into stunning flowers over the coming months, I’ll be sharing updates on their progress.
Have you grown Lisianthus before? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experience!