Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is an attractive annual herb plant with many varieties. Most types of lobelia have bell-shaped inflorescences characteristic of bells.

Species of lobelia plants

Although there are hundreds of varieties of lobelia, it is these species that are most often grown in a home garden:

1. Edging lobelia (L. erinus) and their hybrids - gentle perennials grown in a warm garden as annuals. Tiny five-petal flowers bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink and white, with some accented spots.
2. Cardinal Flower (L. cardinalis)Named for its showy spikes of scarlet flowers, it is the most popular perennial variety. Some varieties also have decorative reddish-bronze foliage. North American wild flower, native to humid areas, Cardinal flower can be found in swamps, on the banks of streams and low forests.
3. Great Blue Lobelia (L. siphilitica), also called the blue cardinal flower, is another native perennial wild plant with bright blue elements.
4. Lobelia speciosa - These are popular garden hybrids (usually L. cardinalis and L. siphilitica) with flowers in shades of blue, lavender, pink or red and a long summer flowering period.

Lobelia inflata, commonly referred to as the Indian Tobacco Plant. Due to its severe toxic effects, L. inflata is not usually grown as a garden plant. However, it has been used for medical purposes for many years.

Growing Lobelia Plants

Steps:

1. Soil preparation. Lobelia can be grown in a container or in the garden. Use either very high quality potted soil or good quality soil with added compost for planting in the garden.
2. Sowing. Spread the seeds evenly over the tray filled with the original mixture. However, do not cover them with soil, because they need light to germinate. Store seeds at temperatures between + 20 ° C and + 25 ° C. Place the seed tray in a sink 3 cm filled with water to provide moisture, not top watering.
3. Water the lobelia seeds always from belowso that the water does not interfere with small seeds.
4. Lighting. As soon as the seedlings appear, provide enough light on the sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 8-10 cm below the fluorescent lamps, turned on 16 hours a day, turned off for 8 hours at night. Raise the light when the seedlings grow. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will be too hot. Most plants require a dark period for growth; do not leave the light on for 24 hours.



5. If you grow lobelia in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings into separate pots when the seedlings have at least 2 pairs of real leaves so that they have enough space for the development of strong roots
6. Fertilizer. Seedlings do not need a large amount of fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old, using universal vegetable fertilizer in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Remove faded flowers regularly. This will contribute to a compact form and more abundant flowering later. Annual lobelia bloom from early summer to early fall with proper care, although flowering may slow down during the heat of mid-summer.

Regardless of the type of lobelia you grow, all species grow best in well-drained, but moist or very moist soil. Lobelia tolerate full sun until partial shade, but prefer some shade in hot climates. Lobelia grow slowly, and most gardeners grow them from seedlings. Annual lobelia can be planted with seeds, however, 10-12 weeks before the last frost.

In order to get good seedlings you need to know only 3 main secrets:

1. Use either very good quality soil with the addition of compost for planting in the garden.
2. Keep the soil moist - spray the seeds with water every day until they germinate.
3. Provide a sufficient amount of light - at least 16 hours.

Lobelia - It is an easy-to-grow, carefree plant that enjoys cool weather. This summer bloom will continue to bloom until the first frost. Growing lobelia is a value in your garden.