Lobelia siphilitica, 'Blue Selection'

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. Cold stratify. Move seed tray to 4°C for 2 weeks then move to warmth, ideal temp. 18-20°C. Germination takes 15-20 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 45cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers a moist soil in full or partial sun where summers are cool or light shade where summers are hot. Shade will increase the intensity of the flower colour. Keep soil moist until established. Water daily in hot weather.

Cultivation

Cut down faded flower spikes. Propagate by division in spring.