A Visit to a Lisianthus Greenhouse in Japan
On my recent trip to Japan as part of the Hanami Flower Tour with Hitomi Gilliam, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit a lisianthus greenhouse in Kochi, Japan, and witness firsthand the meticulous care and dedication involved in cultivating these exquisite blooms. The experience gave me a profound appreciation for the artistry and precision of flower farming, and I’m excited to share what I learned.
The Scale of Production
Walking into the greenhouse, I was struck by the sheer volume of lisianthus being cultivated—60,000 stems grown at a time in just one house! This grower operates multiple greenhouses, with a total of 20 different varieties in production. The greenhouse I visited featured seven varieties, each carefully selected based on market demand and growing reliability.
Growing Process & Challenges
The cycle begins in October, with the plants reaching their peak bloom by early March. It takes approximately 120 days for the lisianthus to mature and be ready for cutting. Each plant produces two flushes of blooms before it is pulled out to prevent disease spreading into the plants and soil.
What I found particularly interesting is how the summer heat plays a vital role in soil sanitation. As temperatures rise, the intense heat naturally kills bacteria in the dirt, reducing the risk of plant disease. However, botrytis remains a concern, so additional treatments are applied to maintain plant health.
Harvesting & Market Demand
Once the flowers reach perfection, the cutting process begins. Stems are harvested on Mondays, carefully bundled into groups of 50, and sent to auction by Friday. Market demand plays a significant role in selecting which varieties to grow. Lavender, light pink, and white remain the most sought-after colors, prized for their elegance and versatility. When choosing what to plant, the grower considers both color trends and the ease of cultivation of the particular plant.
A Family Legacy
This particular farm has been in the same family for 40 years. The current grower is in the process of taking over from his father, continuing a legacy of expert lisianthus cultivation. The farm operates with a small but dedicated team—five full-time family members and three part-time workers, all playing a crucial role in tending to the plants. Around 30 days into the growing cycle, they pinch back the stems to encourage robust growth in the plants.
A Deeper Appreciation
Seeing this process up close was a remarkable experience. The level of care, precision, and knowledge required to produce these breathtaking blooms is truly inspiring. This visit reinforced my love for lisianthus and deepened my appreciation for the growers who bring these delicate flowers to market for floral designers like myself to enjoy and share with clients.
If you ever have the chance to visit a flower farm or greenhouse, I highly recommend it—it’s a wonderful way to connect with the flowers we work with daily and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind each bloom.
I do hope you enjoy all the images I took at the Lisianthus farm and am sharing here.
