1.5k saves
Lobelia
We track 47 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Lobelia varieties
See all 47 Lobelia varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Lobelia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lobelia in Sow
Save the Lobelia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lobelia
Whats common across all Lobelia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Lobelia year
- FertilizeApril–August60% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, especially in containers
- DivideMarch60% of varieties
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor
- DeadheadJuly and August55% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to tidy the plant and prolong interest
- PlantMarch–May43% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- Winter PrepOctober and November40% of varieties
Apply extra mulch around the crown for winter protection
- PruneJune and July35% of varieties
Shear back lightly (1/3) if plants become leggy in mid-summer heat
- MulchApril35% of varieties
Apply mulch to retain essential moisture; refresh in fall for winter protection
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Fertilize monthly during growing season
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely
What goes wrong with Lobelia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaf surfaces | Apply organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and spray with neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Lobelia
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination, approximately 2 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding after sprouting.
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch stem cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Maintain high humidity and indirect light for 6 weeks until rooted.
Lobelia questions
How many types of Lobelia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 47 distinct Lobelia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.5k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lobelia grow in?
Across its varieties, Lobelia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lobelia bloom?
Most Lobelia varieties bloom in mid-summer, mid-summer to early fall, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lobelia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.