How to Grow Lobelia

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Common Lobelia continues to be a great choice for blue blooms if you want to add color to your gardens and containers. Lobelia ( Lobelia erinus ) is a lovely annual (or tender perennial) that is well-behaved, low-growing, and nice for (somewhat) extensive beds or containers. It is easy to grow in cool to moderate temperatures, but struggles on 90ºF (32C) days. It is only a perennial for zones where winters are frost-free.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Lobelia05a.jpg\/460px-Lobelia05a.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Lobelia05a.jpg\/728px-Lobelia05a.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":258,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":409,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Look for high quality transplants in the spring.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-2.jpg\/aid1246946-v4-728px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    . Lobelia can be grown in a container or in the garden. Use high quality commercial potting soil or good quality soil with compost added for garden planting.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/LobhybridaPeriwinkleBlue01a.jpg\/460px-LobhybridaPeriwinkleBlue01a.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/LobhybridaPeriwinkleBlue01a.jpg\/728px-LobhybridaPeriwinkleBlue01a.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If planting in containers or window boxes, you'll have the freedom to move these around if needed.
    • Plant lobelia near the edges of containers so the plant will trail over the edge.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-1.jpg\/aid1246946-v4-728px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is necessary if you wish to have a specific variety of lobelia.
    • The best varieties of lobelia are grown from cuttings and sold with brand names.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-4.jpg\/aid1246946-v4-728px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Sow the seeds indoors, under lights, 8 to 10 weeks earlier in order to get the spring flowering.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Lobelia2a.jpg\/460px-Lobelia2a.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/Lobelia2a.jpg\/728px-Lobelia2a.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":258,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":409,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Plant the seedlings in sunny well drained spots after the last frosts have gone or in a frost-free environment. Space plants 12-15 inches (30-35 cm) apart. In a container, lobelia can be grown more closely together.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/LobhybridaHotArctic.1.jpg\/460px-LobhybridaHotArctic.1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/LobhybridaHotArctic.1.jpg\/728px-LobhybridaHotArctic.1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A water soluble fertilizer is the easiest to use for fertilizing lobelia. Apply every 2-3 weeks for pots and window boxes and every 4-6 weeks in the garden.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Grow-Lobelia-Step-6.jpg\/aid1246946-v4-728px-Grow-Lobelia-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will tidy up the plant and encourage new blooms.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Lobelia04a.jpg\/460px-Lobelia04a.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Lobelia04a.jpg\/728px-Lobelia04a.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Are lobelias perennials?
    Community Answer
    There is a perennial type, it's red. he blue ones with the tiny flowers are generally classed as annuals I live in California - a part where we seldom ever get frost - and some of them live for 2 or 3 years.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    Lobelia seedlings are so tiny. How much thinning should be done?
    Community Answer
    Let nature take it's course and they will thin themselves.It really is not necessary to thin them. The stronger faster growers will shade out many of the others. What you are left with will be abundantly beautiful.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    Where do I plant lobelias -- sun or shade?
    Community Answer
    They like full sun, but will take some shade. Start indoors two months before the last expected frost in your area.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Digging implement
      • Lobelia seedlings

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Plant Flowers
      How to
      Grow African Violets
      How to
      Harvest Lavender
      How to
      Care for Camellias
      How to
      Propagate Hibiscus
      How to
      Prune Hibiscus
      How to
      Propagate Bougainvillea
      How to
      Grow Lotus Flower
      When & How to Prune Lilies for Healthy, Happy Blooms
      How to
      Grow Jasmine from Cuttings
      What Does a Five-Leaf Clover Mean?
      How to
      Prune Bougainvillea
      How to
      Prune Daisies
      Growing Plumeria from Cuttings: Stripping, Planting, & Aftercare
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 14,401 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement