Edging Lobelia Mixed
Edging Lobelia Mixed
1. Sowing Indoors or Outdoors:
- Indoors: Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow seeds on the surface of a well-moistened, light seed-starting mix. Do not cover the seeds as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C). Germination usually takes 10–21 days.
- Outdoors: If you live in a mild climate, you can direct sow the seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed, in spring.
- Plant the seeds on the surface of well-prepared soil and gently press them into the soil, ensuring they get light. They usually germinate in 7–14 days.
2. Sunlight and Soil:
- Sunlight: Lobelia thrives in full sun to partial shade. In very hot climates, partial shade can help prevent the plants from scorching.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). You can improve the soil by adding compost to increase fertility and ensure good drainage.
3. Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lobelia needs moisture to flourish, especially during dry spells.
- Water at the base to avoid getting water on the leaves, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases.
4. Care:
- Thinning: Once seedlings have a few sets of leaves, thin them to 6–9 inches apart to give them room to grow.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–4 weeks throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and keep the plants looking neat.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
5. General Tips:
- Edging Lobelia is an excellent choice for container gardens, hanging baskets, and borders. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging over the edges of containers.
- Dwarf variety: The mixed colors of Lobelia offer a vibrant blend of blues, purples, pinks, and whites, creating a stunning display.
- Keep the plants well-watered, especially in summer, as Lobelia is sensitive to drying out.
6. Harvesting:
- Edging Lobelia is usually grown for its ornamental value rather than for harvesting. However, if you're growing it in containers or hanging baskets, you can trim back leggy growth to encourage more compact, bushy growth.
Edging Lobelia Mixed is perfect for adding colorful, trailing flowers to your garden. Whether you're looking to enhance a border, a window box, or a hanging basket, Lobelia's vivid, cascading flowers bring beauty and charm throughout the growing season.