Grow a Brilliant Blue Carpet with Lobelia Seeds

Lobelia seeds produce one of the most popular ornamental flowers for gardens. With their bright blue blooms and low-growing habit, lobelia offers a vibrant pop of color for beds, borders, hanging baskets, and containers. The lobelia erinus species thrives in cooler climates and brings a carpet of electric blue to landscapes. Read on to learn all about planting lobelia seeds and caring for these beauties.

An Overview of Lobelia Seeds

Lobelia encompasses a genus of over 400 flower species, but the annual Lobelia erinus reigns supreme in many gardens. Some key facts about lobelia seeds include:

• Bloom color – Most lobelia flowers flaunt rich shades of blue, although hybrids offer hues like white, purple, pink and red.

• Plant type – Lobelia is an annual plant in most regions, living just one growing season. However, it self-seeds readily.

• Mature size – Lobelia grows just 4 to 6 inches tall, with a spread of 6 to 12 inches. This makes it perfect to edge gardens and spill from containers.

• Growing zones – Lobelia thrives in USDA zones 3 to 9, blooming from summer to fall

• Sun exposure – Although lobelia prefers partial shade, especially in hot climates, it tolerates full sun with sufficient moisture.

• Soil needs – Rich, loose, well-draining soil amended with compost suits lobelia best.

• Deer resistance – Deer and rabbits usually leave lobelia alone thanks to its bitter taste.

Choosing the Best Lobelia Seeds

When shopping for lobelia seeds, you’ll find several popular varieties:

• Lobelia erinus Blue Carpet – This vigor variety shows off bright blue blooms and a nicely mounded form. It’s excellent for edging, containers, and mass plantings.

• Lobelia erinus Crystal Palace – Dark blue flowers top the bronzed foliage of this variety. It has a more spreading habit than Blue Carpet.

• Lobelia erinus Riviera Marine Blue – Deeper blue blooms and larger leaves distinguish this early flowering Riviera series cultivar. It tolerates heat well.

• Lobelia erinus Riviera Midnight Blue – Extremely rich blue flowers bloom profusely on compact plants. It works well in mixed baskets and combos.

• Lobelia erinus White Lady – A clean white flower color creates pleasing contrast in the garden. The habit matches the blue varieties.

No matter which lobelia seeds you select, proper planting and care will lead to carpets of cheery color.

How to Plant Lobelia Seeds

With their tiny seeds, lobelia can be tricky to start from seed. Follow these tips for success:

• Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Lobelia germinates best at 70-75°F.

• Sow seeds on the soil surface and press gently into the starting mix. Do not cover lobelia seeds.

• Maintain even moisture during germination. Consider a heated seedling mat.

• Expect germination in 14-21 days. Transfer seedlings after growing to 2 sets of true leaves.

• Harden off plants for 7-10 days before moving outdoors after all danger of frost.

• Space transplants 6-12 inches apart in the garden.

You can also direct sow lobelia seeds into the garden after the soil warms in spring. This will delay flowering by 2 months, however. Just sprinkle the seeds and keep moist.

Growing Care for Lobelia Flowers

Caring for lobelia properly allows the plants to produce flowers prolifically all season. Here are some key growing tips:

• Pinch back leggy seedlings and mature plants to encourage bushy, compact growth.

• Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering into fall.

• Water lobelia regularly, especially in hot weather. Allow soil to partially dry between deep waterings.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

• Mulch plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds. Replenish mulch as it deteriorates.

-Cut back lobelia severely after flowering to promote a second flush of blooms in fall.

With ideal care, lobelia will thrive until the first hard frost. Protect transplants and newly seeded plants if temperatures dip below 28°F.

How to Use Lobelia in the Landscape

Thanks to its carpeting habit and vivid color, lobelia has many uses beyond flower beds:

• Edge walkways, patios, and garden beds

• Cascade from window boxes and hanging baskets

• Mix with other annuals in containers

• Combine with perennials like purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan

• Naturalize areas between stepping stones

• Fill in gaps among roses, shrubs, and ornamental grasses

• Mass along foundations and mailbox gardens

• Draw pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies

Lobelia spreads readily when happy, making it a budget-friendly way to add color impact. It also plays well with cool-season bloomers like pansies and snapdragons.

Troubleshooting Common Lobelia Problems

Lobelia is relatively problem-free, but occasionally encounters:

• Poor germination – Ensure seeds are fresh and sow shallowly. Maintain warm soil temperature and even moisture.

• Leggy growth – Increase light levels and pinch back as needed. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.

• Few or no flowers – Extreme summer heat can stall blooms. Provide afternoon shade and more water.

• Wilting – Drought stress causes lobelia to wilt. Check soil moisture and water thoroughly.

• Mildew – Improve air circulation and avoid wet foliage. Apply neem oil or fungicides if severe.

• Slugs and snails – Use protective collars, traps, or baits to prevent damage. Diatomaceous earth deters pests. Hand pick at night.

With proper planting and care, lobelia seeds will produce vibrant carpets of electric blue blooms. Their low spreading habit adds rich color impact to gardens, containers, and landscapes in cooler zones. Turn to these beauties any time you need a pop of blue!