How to Start Lobelia from Seeds

Lobelia are charming little flowers that grow in clumps. Their almost pure blue color brightens up shady areas. They also do very well trailing over the edges of container gardens and hanging baskets. Lobelia is easy to start from seed. Start the seeds indoors at a warm room temperature (at least 70 degrees) 8 to 10 weeks before the average date of your last frost.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shallow, flat containers
• Light seed starting mix
• Spray bottle
• Grow lights
• Individual 1 or 2-inch pots

1. Fill shallow, flat containers right to the top with a light seed starting mix. Smooth out the top of the soil.

2. Sprinkle seeds very thinly over the surface of the soil. Do not cover the seeds. Just lightly press into the soil.

3. Mist with water. Keep the seeds moist by misting every day until the seeds germinate, usually within 3 weeks.

4. Put seedlings under grow lights as soon as they emerge. Place the lights about 3 inches above the tops of the plants and raise them as the plants grow. Keep the seedlings evenly moist, but not overly wet.

5. Transplant when the seedlings are 1½ to 2 inches high. Transplant small clumps of the seedlings into individual 1 or 2-inch pots. Continue to water so the soil stays evenly moist, but not wet.

6. When plants are well established and about 3 to 4 inches high, acclimate to outdoor conditions by setting out in the shade for a longer period of time each day. Bring in at night or if temperatures dip below 50 degrees.

7. Transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has past. Plant each clump about 10 inches apart in rich soil in partial shade. Mulch to conserve moisture and keep the lobelia even moist. Provide with at least one inch of water per week.