Lobelia

Lobelia Description

Lobelia is a perennial, that is grown as an annual, that blooms from late spring until the first frost of the autumn. It is a small plant that produces copious amounts of little blue blooms. Some varieties also come in white, purple and even dark red.

Lobelias display well in a garden bed on their own or as part of a cottage garden mix. The trailing varieties are extensively used in hanging baskets and other such containers

Lobelia has medicinal qualities and has been used in the treatment of asthma and of food poisoning. It has also been used as an aid to those trying to quit smoking.

Cultivation of Lobelia Plants

Lobelia seeds should be sown in late winter in boxes of seed compost at a temperature range of 16 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Prick out the seedlings in small clumps (individual seedlings are too small to handle individually) and grow at a temperature range of 13 to 16 degrees.

Harden off for planting outdoors in late spring in fertile moisture-retentive soil in a sunny, but sheltered position.

Lobelia Pests and Diseases

Lobelias can be susceptible to root rot. Stem rot can also be a problem showing up as spots on the leaves of young plants.