Lovely lobelia is smothered in flowers ranging in colour from white, blue, rose, purple or a blue and white. They are easy to grow and are great when planted in the garden, pots or hanging baskets providing colour for months.
Planting Calendar
Lobelia does best in warmer climates and does not like frost. Best grown in spring, summer and autumn, but in mild regions can be grown all year.
Prepare
Position
Lobelia can be grown in full sun to light shade.
Soil
When planted into the ground lobelia likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
Lobelia can be sown directly into the garden, raised beds or containers that are at least 30cm deep. Or sown into a seed tray with Seed raising mix and transplant out once they are about 4 cm in size. Gently remove the seedling from the tray and plant. Space plants 30cm apart so they have plenty of space to grow. Take care when transplanting so that the young soft roots are not damaged. Gently firm the soil down after planting and water in well with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this will help the seedlings settle in.
Care
Watering
Lobelia likes even moisture, aim to keep the soil evenly moist, water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soil surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Garden Booster, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Protecting
Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails with Quash.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Lobelia are generally pest free, so should not need spraying.
Pruning
Very lightly trim back after flowering has finished, removing any spent flowers. This will encourage new growth and flowers .
Beginner Tip
Lobelia comes in two types trailing or compact upright. Riviera types are compact and upright whereas Regatta types are trailing great for baskets.