Lobelia Crystal Palace Violet-Blue Flower Seeds | 200 Seeds
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: 4–8 in (10–20 cm)
Spread: 8–12 in (20–30 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
8–12 weeks before last frost
Most zones = Feb–Apr 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!
Fill trays/pots with moist seed-starting mix.
Sprinkle seeds on the surface.
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Do not cover (they need light to germinate).
You can press gently to ensure contact.
Mist with water or bottom-water.
Cover with a clear dome or plastic wrap to hold humidity.
Keep bright and cool.
Germination: 14–21 days
Ideal temp: 65–70°F (18–21°C)
Cooler temps help prevent stretch.
🌤 Light Needs
Bright light is key indoors: sunny window or grow light.
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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 1–2 inches tall, pinch tips for bushier growth.
Deadhead lightly or shear back by ⅓ 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 2–3 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 9–11), 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
