Lobelia erinus, a member of the Campanulaceae family, is a popular annual known for its intensely colored flowers and ease of growth. Often referred to as Edging Lobelia, these plants are perfect for adding a splash of color to window boxes, hanging baskets, and garden borders.
Their striking blue blooms not only enhance the beauty of your garden but also attract butterflies and other pollinators, creating a lively and vibrant ecosystem right in your backyard.
Growing Lobelia is an easy and rewarding endeavor, suitable for gardeners of all levels. These plants thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them adaptable to various garden settings. With a hardiness across zones 1-10, Lobelia is a versatile choice for gardeners across many regions across Canada.
The journey to vibrant blooms begins with seeds starting indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. This ensures that your Lobelia plants are strong and ready for transplanting when warmer nights, above 10°C (50°F), arrive.
Sowing seeds is a delicate process due to their dust-like size. Spread them evenly across the surface of a sterilized seed starting mix without covering them, ensuring they receive adequate light for germination.
Maintaining the right conditions for your Lobelia seeds is crucial. A soil temperature of 18-25°C (65-75°F) and regular misting will encourage healthy germination within 15-21 days.
For easier transplanting later, consider 12- or 24-cell plug inserts. This method allows for gentle separation of Lobelia clumps, minimizing damage and loss during the transplanting process.
Lobelia's low-maintenance care and stunning visual appeal make it an excellent choice for adding life and color to your garden. Its ability to attract pollinators further enhances your garden's ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity.