Lobelia Crystal Palace Violet-Blue Flower Seeds | 200 Seeds

How to Grow & Care for Lobelia ‘Crystal Palace’ (Violet-Blue)

Thank you for choosing ‘Crystal Palace’ Lobelia! This classic heirloom lobelia is loved for its intense violet-blue flowers and deep bronze-green foliage. It makes a soft. trailing spill in baskets and a dreamy edge in garden beds.

With a little patience at the start. you’ll get a long season of color!

Quick Facts

Botanical name: Lobelia erinus
Type: Tender annual (perennial in warm zones)
Height: 4?C8 in (10?C20 cm)
Spread: 8?C12 in (20?C30 cm). mounding/trailling
Bloom time: Late spring through fall
Best for: Borders. containers. hanging baskets. window boxes
Sun: Full sun to part shade (prefers cooler light)

When to Plant (USA Guide)

Lobelia is cool-loving and slow to start. so begin early.

Start Indoors

• 8?C12 weeks before last frost

• Most zones = Feb?CApr indoors

Transplant Outdoors

• After last frost. once nights stay above 45??F / 7??C

Direct Sow Outdoors (only in mild climates)

• After frost. in cool spring weather

• Works best in Zone 8+ or coastal climates.

How to Sow Seeds

Lobelia seeds are tiny like dust??don’t bury them!

1. Fill trays/pots with moist seed-starting mix.

2. Sprinkle seeds on the surface.

3. Do not cover (they need light to germinate).

   • You can press gently to ensure contact.

4. Mist with water or bottom-water.

5. Cover with a clear dome or plastic wrap to hold humidity.

6. Keep bright and cool.

Germination: 14?C21 days
Ideal temp: 65?C70??F (18?C21??C)
Cooler temps help prevent stretch.

Light Needs

• Bright light is key indoors: sunny window or grow light.

• Outdoors:

  • Full sun in cool climates

  • Part shade in hot climates (afternoon shade is perfect)

Too much heat + harsh sun can slow flowering.

Watering

Lobelia likes even moisture??never bone-dry.

• Keep soil lightly moist. not soggy.

• In containers. water more often.

• Mulch in ground plantings to preserve moisture.

Tip: If plants wilt. water quickly??they bounce back fast!

Soil

• Rich. well-draining soil gives best blooms.

• Add compost or a gentle all-purpose potting mix.

• pH neutral to slightly acidic is great. but they’re flexible.

Pinching & Maintenance

• When seedlings are 1?C2 inches tall. pinch tips for bushier growth.

• Deadhead lightly or shear back by in midsummer to refresh blooms.

• If it gets leggy. a quick trim brings a fresh flush of flowers.

Feeding

Lobelia is a steady bloomer and appreciates light feeding:

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2?C3 weeks in pots.

• In garden beds. compost is usually enough.

Avoid heavy high-nitrogen feeds (too leafy. fewer flowers).

Common Issues (Easy Fixes)

Leggy seedlings
?? Too warm or not enough light. Keep cooler + bright light.

Slow bloom in summer heat
?? Normal. Give afternoon shade + consistent moisture. Blooms return when temps cool.

Mildew/rot
?? Too wet + bad airflow. Let surface dry slightly between watering.

Overwintering (Optional)

In warm climates (Zone 9?C11). lobelia may survive as a short-lived perennial.
In colder zones. treat as an annual or take cuttings before frost.

Pro Tip for Gorgeous Displays

Plant lobelia in clusters for that ??carpet of blue?? look. and pair with:

• white alyssum

• pink petunias

• silver dusty miller

• or dark foliage plants for contrast

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