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Growing from Seed

Lobelias from seed

15 years ago

Lobelia seeds are like microsopic dust! How did you plant them? I bought a packet today and some peat pellets. I was planning to start them in the peat pellets and move them into the garden later. But how do I even get them into the pellets? Also, I have read that lobelia seeds require light to germinate. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?

Thanks

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Comments (5)

sarahbarah27
15 years ago
I have never planted lobelia seeds, but i have planted other dust like seeds. You could try sprinkling the seeds on a piece of white paper and then use a razor blade to slide them off into the peat pellet. When I sow really tiny seeds, i wet the tip of a paper clip, but this doesnt work as well for dust like seed. If it requires light to germinate, just don't cover the seed with any soil. I just put mine a a sunny window and it seems to work fine!

Good luck!!!
Sarah
pitimpinai
15 years ago
I just pinch them with the tip of my dry index and thumb, then rub the thumb and index over the soil in paper pots.

I just sowed some last night and left them out in the cold. Easy as pie. :-)
I sow my seeds the winter sowing method.

Here is my favorite combination: Lobelia 'Blue Cascade' and Marigold 'Lemon Gem':
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I have Blue Moon Lobelia. Up until now, (quite literally today as I am new to seed saving myself)I have only been able to harvest very few seeds. But now there's a lot. When the majority of the flowers are dead or dying, look at the base of the flower. That green part will swell considerably from the way it used to look. It will start to turn from green to brown but still be soft. During this transition if you look closely at the pod, it might appear slightly transluscent and the fat area holding the seeds will appear darker (because the seeds are dark brown to black). The pod will continue to dry and will feel papery and hard when ready to harvest. Pull the pods off then (be carefull, if it's very ready the seeds will start to fall out the second you pull it off the bush...I use a paper plate). You can put them all in a plastic baggie and crush them or open each individual pod (which I prefer because there is less chaff). The seeds look like dark brown or black grains of fine sand and are almost as heavy. Dry 'em, store 'em, winter sow 'em, enjoy the fruits of your labor! Netta Here is a link that might be useful: Lobelia Seed Pods
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bw92116
Original Author
15 years ago
OK thanks!
taxonomist
15 years ago
I sowed the fine seeds of Lobelia cardinalis & L. sessifolia on the surface of moist peat-based potting soil contained in a large flat pot. The pot was then covered with a pane of glass and placed in a shaded, warm greenhouse. The seeed germinated extremely well without light and quickly reached a size that could be potted in small pots. I believe warmth is much more important than light. Good luck!!!
bw92116
Original Author
15 years ago
ok thank you.

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