Growing Lobelia Plant
Annual lobelia will grow nearly anywhere. Lobelia seeds can be sown directly in the garden or indoors for later transplanting. These plants typically require an area with full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They also prefer moist, rich soil.
How do you grow trailing lobelia?
Sprinkle the lobelia seeds on the surface of a good seed compost and do not cover the tiny flower seeds with anything, the lobelia seeds need light to germinate. Gently firm the compost down after you sprinkled the seeds. Keep the seed trays, pots at a temperature of 18-24 Celsius. The germination can take 14-20 days.
Do lobelia flowers come back every year?
Lobelia is a perennial plant that is often considered an annual because growing conditions must be perfect for it to survive to rebloom another year. More than 360 species of lobelia are grown as annuals, perennials or shrubs.
When can I plant lobelia outside?
Don’t plant out until the last frosts have passed – usually at the end of May. Harden off before planting out. Plant 10-15cm apart. Perennial lobelias are best planted in spring.
When should you plant lobelia?
Although annual types are widely available at garden centers in the spring, you can also start your own plants from seed, sown indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost date. Don’t transplant seedlings outdoors until a few weeks after the last frost date.
Does lobelia bloom all summer?
Their half-inch small flowers, which may be blue, white or crimson, are at their peak from spring to early summer. Lobelia erinus does not like hot, dry weather. They will grow best in a cool spot with partial shade.
Do lobelias spread?
Lobelia is a small plant that generally grows to heights no taller than 10 inches. Bush types spread only five to nine inches, but trailing varieties expand as much as 1 1/2 feet.
How do you plant trailing lobelia in hanging baskets?
Plant trailing lobelia along the edge of the hanging basket so it cascades over the sides. Plant compact lobelia in the middle of the basket to form a dense mound. Applying a 2-inch layer of sphagnum moss around the the lobelia plants will help keep the soil moist during the hot summer months.
How many plants do I need for a 12 inch hanging basket?
For hanging baskets the general rule is to use one plant per inch of basket diameter – so 12 plants per 12 inch basket. You’ll only need 5 plants per 12 inch hanging basket for bigger plants like Geraniums (Pelargoniums), Surfinia Petunias, culinary herbs and Fuchsias.
Can lobelia be planted in a container?
The shape of lobelia makes it an excellent container plant. Depending on the variety it can make a mounding border, or it can spill and trail over the edges. The trailing varieties are especially ideal for window boxes and hanging baskets.
Is lobelia a hardy?
Lobelia erinus is the annual variety of the plant and comes in many species. It is not hardy in cold temperatures and will not survive being frozen. The Lobelia x speciosa varieties are perennials. These are hardy to 5 to 14 degrees F.
How long do lobelia plants last?
High heat can cause lobelia to suffer, but the plants stay in bloom for many weeks in areas with cool nights.
Are lobelia poisonous to dogs?
Lobelia (Lobelia cardinalis), which is of the family Campanulaceae and is also known as Indian pink and cardinal flower, is one of many plants that are poisonous to dogs when ingested.
Is lobelia invasive?
Extremely hardy, low care, and fairly pest and disease-free, Great Blue Lobelia tends to be short-lived, although it may self-seed in ideal growing conditions (without becoming invasive).
How do you look after lobelia?
Pruning Edging and Trailing Lobelia
Edging and trailing lobelia follow a schedule similar to pansies and linaria, and most growers remove them in early summer when they no longer look their best. If you decide to leave them in the garden, cut them back by one-half to two-thirds to encourage fall blooms.
What are the benefits of lobelia?
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), also called Indian tobacco, has a long history of use as an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and cough. Historically, Native Americans smoked lobelia as a treatment for asthma.
Medicinal Uses and Indications
Asthma.Bronchitis.Cough.
