Lobelia Seeds - Great Blue

(Lobelia siphilitica) Perennial. Zones 4 - 9. Campanulaceae (Bellflower) Family. Native range—Eastern and Central Canada. Prefers moist growing conditions, can tolerate partial shade. Can grow 2-3 feet tall. Lovely deep blue/purple flowers bloom in late-Summer—even their first year!

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

TIMING: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors, after frost.

GERMINATION: 14-21 days. Seeds require light to germinate. Prefers soil temperatures of 20°C for timely germination.

SEEDING: Sow seeds on the soil surface, tamp down gently. Space plants 6” apart.

GROWING: Prefers full sun in cooler months, but partial shade in the heat of summer. Keep soil cool and moist, mulching is beneficial. Well-draining, nutrient rich soil is best. Deadhead regularly to promote further blooms. Cut plants back in the Spring, rather than the Fall. Plants can be split after year 2. 

HARVESTING: Pick when blooms are a third open for cut flowers. Roots have medicinal properties.