Lobelia Growing Guide

Lobelia erinus

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil, or use containers.

Position

Full sun to partial shade.

Frost tolerant

Limited. Lobelia can take cool weather but is easily damaged by frost.

Feeding

Mix a standard application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5" (15cm) with 5" (15cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow tiny lobelia seeds indoors, on top of moist seed starting mix, and provide very bright light. Most gardeners buy lobelia seedlings, which are widely available as bedding plants in spring.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Lobelia is a great cool-season flower for adding vivid blue to the garden. Some varieties bloom white or pink.

Harvesting

In early summer, pinch back plants to stimulate the growth of new blossom-bearing branches.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Lobelia

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail