Gardening is an enjoyable job. It is a good exercise through which you feel refreshed. In such a situation, how good it would be if you grow some plants which are beneficial for you and also make your garden beautiful. One such plant is Lobelia. It has many species which bear colorful flowers. Usually, people grow them in small containers so that a colorful landscape is created around them. But choosing the right species of Lobelia is also a difficult task. Let us know how to choose its right species and how to grow it.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts of Lobelia
| Scientific name | Lobelia inflata |
| Synonyms | Lobelia spicata, Lobelia erinus |
| Family | Campanulaceae (Bellflower family) |
| Common name | Indian Tobacco, Pukeweed |
| Habit | Herbaceous Annual or biennial plant |
| Sunlight | protection from strong sunlight. Prefers partial shade |
| Plant part use | leaves and seeds |
| Habitat | Native to eastern North America |
| Plant height | 2 feet tall |
| Cultivation | commonly cultivated |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained soils in open woods |
How to choose the right variety of Lobelia?
There are many varieties of Lobelia but the most common lobelias grown for gardens are Lobelia erinus also known as Trailing lobelia and Lobelia siphilitica also known as Great Blue lobelia.
Health Benefits of Lobelia
- Right Climate: Lobelia prefers cool climates and partial shade, so choose a growing spot that receives light morning sunlight and part sun throughout the day.
- Soil: This plant requires soil rich in organic matter to grow. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH of 6 to 6.8. If your garden soil is heavy, add compost to correct it.
- You can sow both its plants and seeds. Sow its seeds in a pot inside the house. Press them lightly into the soil and keep them moist. If you want to sow its plants directly, you can get its plants from the nursery. From there you can also know about the right method of growing them. Sow these plants in your garden. Keep some distance between the plants so that the plants can grow properly.
- Maintenance of the plant: Lobelia plants require special care after planting. It prefers evenly moist soil, so keep its soil moist. Especially during drought, do not let its soil dry out. Add fertilizer to the soil every one to two months so that it can flower well.
- Protect the plant from aphids, slugs, and snails.
- It is easy to grow Lobelia in a container. For this, use a container that has holes for drainage. Fill it with potting mix and grow it in it.
Conclusion
By keeping all these steps in mind, you can easily grow Lobelia. Its flowers make your home and garden look very beautiful.
Remember, before starting any new wellness regimen, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.
