Lobelia erinus, 'Crystal Palace'

Germination

Sow indoors in late winter-late spring. Best to sow early in the year. Surface sow, finely, onto moist well-drained seed compost. Mixing seed with silver sand may help you to do this. Do not cover the seed as it needs light to germinate. Ideal temp. 15-20°C. Germination takes 10-14 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to trays with 5cm spacing. Acclimatise and plant out in clumps rather than individual plants from May with 15cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers a moist soil or compost in full or partial sun. Liquid feeding will prolong flowering. Dislikes hot, dry weather. Keep moist at all times.

Cultivation

Can be cut back by half in height in mid-summer to rejuvenate and to increase bushiness. Once flowering ceases in late autumn pull and compost the plant.