Lobelia is a charming plant that gardeners often use and recommend to their neighbors and friends, but not everyone is willing to share their care expertise with them. So, they are forced to search online for information on lobelia: growing from seed, when to plant.
The lobelia flower itself is very graceful and exudes magnificence. Its bell-shaped buds look quite refined and modest, somewhat reminiscent of geraniums. It also has a variety of flowers that can be combined to create unusual arrangements. Mature flowers are available in specialty stores, but what could be better than a plant you grow yourself?
Some gardeners are reluctant to plant lobelia seedlings, or rather, they're afraid to, because its seeds are very small. This leads them to believe the seedlings themselves will be small and thin-stemmed, but this isn't true. Lobelia seedlings are planted in early February, as they germinate within two weeks. The soil for the seedlings should be soft and loose. They begin planting in the ground in April or May.
When planting seeds for seedlings, fill a container up to 5 cm high with prepared soil, then water lightly and cover with a plastic bag. Every day, air the seedlings by opening the bag for 40-60 minutes and wiping away any accumulated water droplets with a napkin. If the seedlings don't have enough light, provide light with a lamp. The temperature in the house or greenhouse should be at least 20 degrees Celsius, as temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius will slow seedling growth. Once the seedlings have established themselves, they can be planted in the ground, spacing them up to 20 cm apart. However, growing seedlings can present some challenges:
- Watering is a problem: this plant doesn't like excess moisture, so you need to ensure it doesn't become overwatered, as this will cause the leaves and stems to become moldy and die. Also, be careful not to let the soil become too dry, as this will cause the leaves to curl, which will also kill the plant.
- Lighting is a concern – every plant loves light, and lobelia especially so, so if it doesn't get enough light, it will begin to stretch and its stems will lose strength. So, it's best to place the seedlings near a sunny window, and if there isn't one, be sure to illuminate the seedling boxes with a lamp.
- The problem with fertilizing is that it's best not to fertilize small seedlings; the fertilizing you do before planting, which involves adding one part compost to the soil, will be sufficient.
Once your seedlings have grown and it's time to transplant them into the ground, it's crucial to choose the right location. Try to choose soil that's consistently moist, but not too wet. The location should be sunny or partially shaded, but never plant them in the shade, as they won't benefit from the sun and will be very vulnerable. Strive for fertile and light soil to ensure strong, healthy growth.
If you want to plant lobelia next year, dig up a small bush in the fall and plant it in a pot at home, and then plant it back in the flowerbed the following spring. This way, the same variety can delight you for several years in a row.
Many beginning gardeners think that if a plant has a complicated name, it must be very difficult to care for, but this isn't true, as even the most complex name can conceal a very easy-to-grow plant. Don't be afraid of difficulties and complicated names, as complicated names are truly beautiful plants.
Another beautiful flower, which even climbs up the walls, will look very harmonious in the garden and it is called aubrieta.
Lobelia ampelosa: planting and care