I saw these at a nursery the other day and found them enchanting. Do any of you grow them successfully in your garden? Under what conditions?

I love them, but they will not overwinter here. I have successfully overwintered one indoors, once. Not that I haven't tried numerous other times! You can grow them from seed, if you start early enough. They're slow to start and just a bit persnickety....but only if you care about them. Ha! I tossed some leftover seeds into a tray once and more or less ignored them (as opposed to the ones I ever so carefully nurtured) and they rewarded me with more plants than I'd ever gotten from coddling them. And these were seeds that had sat in my over-heated greenhouse over the summer and throughout the following winter. They are simply beautiful and definitely worth the effort and aggravation.

Paul, I have been growing them from seed for the past three years. They are persnickety for sure! You have to start them EARLY because they are very slow growing. I've had my best results putting seed starting mix in a clear clamshell, the kind you get grapes or other fruit in, and setting in another pan for bottom watering. They do like to stay moist (surprised Woofie about yours, but isn't that the way it goes?)

I can overwinter here with a heavy straw cover. I have one that is three years old. I grew for cut flowers and at first bloom I thought, what a waste, but after cutting the main stem I was rewarded with many blossoms. Right now I have Arena Rose, Echo Blue and a green one I started this year that is in bud right now.

If you're up for a challenge, give them a try. Seeds are very tiny, most will be pelleted. I saved some the first year and there were hundreds in one pod. I was successful in getting them to germinate as well.

They are a beautiful flower. When I use them in bouquets everyone thinks they are roses.

Thanks Arlene....pretty design.

I grow them from seed every year, also, because they are my favorite flower. I start my seeds in early January, and I usually have blooms by late July. It's truly a labor of love in my zone, as they don't overwinter here. But, they are worth the effort. They make beautiful cut flowers (and everyone that sees them asks what they are). It's also fun for me because I can start them at the first of the year before any other seeds. By that time of year, I'm itching to get my hands in the dirt

Even with starting them in January they don't seem to grow much until it gets really warm, don't you find? Mine also blossom mid to end of July. I have a green one I started this year that is just putting out it's first blossom.

I been wanting these for years...I am growing what we call Texas bluebells - but would love to try some of these from seeds.
Paul, those are lovely!

In 55 years, I don't recall having seen Bluebells growing wild in this area and now I have seen they twice in the last month.

I would love to grow these! I just bought a bunch of them at the flower stand and came here to look and see if I could grow them. I'm doubtful now, it seems that it would be too hot and humid here. I asked when I bought them and these were grown in the highlands, near Toluca, at about 7k feet. It's much cooler and drier there. They are lasting well as cut flowers though, much better than most.

Gorgeous! Yep, long lasting cut flower, that's why I wanted to grow them. So sorry you can't but hey, you could try?

Sure you could, Jonna! Maybe find a sunny spot indoors that doesn't get overly hot? If I could keep them going for a while indoors in our cold winters, surely you could manage them indoors in your area!

I've never tried to grow lisianthus but I love to say the name (some words are like that...)

Yup. I feel the same way about Salpiglossis sinuata. That name just rolls around and positively drips off the tongue.

Or trips the tongue! But I love em!

I'll keep my eyes open for seeds but I manage to kill some stuff that is supposed to be easy in this climate.

You're probably going to have to order seeds online. Pretty sure Swallowtail Seeds and Summer Hill carry them. Good luck and keep us posted!

I think you can even get them from Parks. Heh, finding the seeds is the easy part!

And Burpee, I believe. I just like supporting the small companies!

I'm just still annoyed with Summer Hill. Ha! I do know how to hold a grudge; my annoyance dates from years ago back on DG, I just realized.

Oh, I didn't realize. I have always had very personal customer service from there.