Edging Lobelia Lobelia erinus 'Regatta Sky Blue'

Water

The trailing lobelia should be watered regularly, maintaining moist but not waterlogged soil. It is important to water deeply, allowing water to penetrate several inches into the soil, which could approximately be half a gallon for an outdoor plant every week, depending on weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, increase watering frequency to every few days, and in cooler, rainy spells, reduce the watering to prevent over-saturation. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water.

Light

Trailing lobelia thrives in a location that provides full sun to partial shade, with a preference for cool climates. The optimal spot would allow for morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions, to protect the flowers from midday heat. Ensure the plant has access to bright indirect light if grown indoors, simulating its preferred outdoor conditions.

Temperature

Trailing lobelia favors cooler conditions and is typically grown as an annual in most climates. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle maximum temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit but may require some shade to protect from intense heat.

Pruning

Trailing lobelia should be pruned to promote bushier growth and to encourage more blooms. Lightly pinch back the stem tips every few weeks during the growing season. The best time to prune is after a flush of blooms starts to fade, which will help stimulate new growth and additional flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Lobelia, commonly known as edging lobelia or garden lobelia, should be light, well-draining, and rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite can provide the right balance of nutrients, moisture, and aeration.

Repotting

Edging lobelia should be repotted every year to replenish the soil, ideally in the spring before new growth begins. They don't typically outgrow their pots quickly due to their compact size, but annual repotting ensures they have fresh soil for optimal health.

Humidity & Misting

Garden lobelia thrives best in moderate to high humidity conditions, generally preferring a humidity level around 40-70%. It can tolerate lower humidity, but consistently dry air may cause stress to the plant, so it's important to maintain these levels for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist for indoor Lobelias.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, ensure moist, fertile soil for outdoor Lobelias.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Lobelia erinus 'Regatta Sky Blue', commonly known as the edging lobelia or garden lobelia, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warmth with high humidity, usually after 15 to 20 days of sowing. Following germination, seedlings develop into young plants with characteristic narrow, green leaves and begin to form a small rosette. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, producing more leaves and branching out, preparing for flowering. The flowering stage occurs when the plant produces numerous small, trumpet-shaped, sky blue flowers, typically from late spring through to the first frost in the fall. After pollination, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive stage; these seeds can be collected or left to self-sow. Finally, Lobelia erinus is an annual or tender perennial, and in cooler climates, it completes its life cycle within one growing season, dying after seed production unless protected from frost or cold temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Lobelia erinus 'Regatta Sky Blue', more commonly known as edging lobelia or garden lobelia, is most frequently propagated by seed. The ideal time for sowing lobelia seeds is late winter to early spring, this timing allows for the seedlings to mature before they are transplanted after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds are very tiny and need light to germinate, so they should be sprinkled onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and gently pressed in, without being covered by soil. Then, the container is typically placed under grow lights or in a brightly lit area, maintaining a temperature of about 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is crucial, as the seeds can easily rot with excess water. Seedlings usually emerge within two to three weeks, and once they reach a height of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters), they can be thinned out or transplanted to individual pots before being moved to their final garden location.