HOW TO GROW LOBELIA TUPA FROM SEED

How to grow Lobelia tupa from seed

Lobelia tupa is one of the class acts of late summer flowering plants, however they can be difficult to find and expensive to purchase. So if you want to grow your own you may be better off trying to propagate your own, but a word of warning. Lobelia tupa do not take well from cuttings, and neither do like to root from seedlings lifted straight from the ground. Your best bet is to grow them from seed. Lobelia tupa seedlings can be sown at anytime of year but you will make the most of the growing season if you start from November until February.

How to grow Lobelia tupa from seed

Using a modular seed tray, fill with a good quality free-draining compost such as John Innes 'Seed and cutting'.

To improve drainage further you may wish to mix in a couple of handfuls of horticultural grit or vermiculite. Gently compact the compost and then water.

Sow the seed at a rate if one per module and gently press the seed into the surface of the compost.

Lobelia seed need light to germinate so either leave them as they are or cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Put the tray in heated propagator 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, alternatively seal inside a clear polythene bag. Place the tray in a warm, bright room on a windowsill that does not receive direct light, or a shaded, unheated greenhouse.

How to grow Lobelia tupa from seed

Instead of watering, mist everyday. You can expect the seedlings to emerge in three weeks or so.

Once the first seedlings are visible remove them from the propagator or polythene bag. Once the seedlings are 3-4 inches high and well-rooted in the module they can be carefully lifted and potted on into 4-5 inch pots containing a good quality, free-draining compost.

Grow them on for a month or so and then harden them off for a week or so before planting outside into their final position. If there is a threat of late frost then delay planting until the threat is over.

In northern european climates plant Lobelia tupa in a sunny, sheltered position in a well-drained and fertile soil.

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