Deep purple-blue flowers that can only be described as ‘lobelia blue’ are carried on bronze-green foliage. The plant fills out into a 6 inch bush, ideal for borders, rock gardens, window boxes, and pots. The small distinctive blooms last most of the summer from indoor spring sowing.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Lobelia erinus

Annual,Perennialzones 10-11

Germination: 7-14 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70F

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on the surface, seeds need light to germinate

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 60-70F soil temperatures until germination. Transplant 6-8 apart after the last frost.

Sowing Outdoors: Starting indoors is recommended. Direct sow around the last frost date, only in areas with long growing seasons.

Growth Habit: small mounds

Height and Width: 6-8 by 6-8

Spacing: 6-8 apart

Light Needs: Full sun to part shade

Soil Needs: Fertile, moist but well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms in 80-90 days

Uses: Border and edging, rock gardens, planters and containers, hanging baskets and window boxes, attracts butterflies, deer resistant

Care: Amend the soil with compost before transplanting. Apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks or use a time-release fertilizer at planting time. Keep well watered in dry weather.