Rapid Blue Lobelia Seeds

Days to Maturity: 84-98

Rapid Blue Lobelia, a dwarf species, is a tender perennial (Zones 10-11), usually grown as an annual, offering spring and summer interest. An early bloomer, lush and reliable, it blooms profusely, with masses of showy, dainty, dark blue flowers smothering the long-flowering plant. Borne in large, loose clusters, the flowers attract butterflies.

A Lobelia erinus, a highly popular traditional garden favorite, also known as edging lobelia or compact lobelia, Rapid Blue has an upright, compact, bushy habit of narrow green leaves. It is shown to best effect grouped or massed, as it forms a low, cushy mat of intensely colored blooms. Rapid Blue is perfect for rock gardens, beds, border edges, and containers.

Rapid Blue Lobelia prefers full sun to dappled shade and organically rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils. It performs best in cool spring weather. The plant may decline in hot and humid summer conditions; so, under those conditions, more shade, consistent water, and a 2-inch layer of mulch is recommended. It is deer tolerant and virtually pest and disease free.

Start lobelia seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last frost and transplant seedlings to the garden after all threat of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures remain consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.

This seed comes as a pellet. Pelleted seeds are small seeds that have been clay-coated to make them larger and more uniform in size and shape, making them easier to handle when planting.