Lobelia is a plant from a number of annuals that will decorate any garden with its bright flowering. The most prevailing species is Rosamund lobelia. The plant reaches a height of 10 to 25 cm, its stems are thin, plentifully covered with leaves, dark pink flowers, with a diameter of about 1 cm, located in the recess of the leaves. The second most popular type of plant is the cascade lobelia, whose stems during flowering are completely covered with white flowers, which makes it look like a snow-white waterfall.
Cascade Lobelia is unpretentious, can grow both in the sun and in shady places. But inadequate humidity and high air temperature can lead to cessation of flowering. Although lobelia is a heat-loving plant, it perfectly tolerates a decrease in air temperature to -1 degrees. Due to the cascade structure, the cascade white lobelia is perfect for breeding in balcony drawers. To isolate flower beds and planting along garden paths , bush lobelia can be used.
Breeding lobelia
Bred lobelia seeds, planting them at the end of winter in the greenhouse. The box with seeds is covered with glass, but you do not need to lay them with earth. About 10-15 days after planting, the first sprouts appear, which need to be transplanted in 3-5 pieces. in one hole. Diving will help to grow fluffy bushes by the beginning of the open season. Best of all, the cascade lobelia, as well as its other species, grows in places accessible to sunlight. Fertilizers have a beneficial effect on the plant, but their excess leads to poor flowering. In order for your garden to be decorated with lush lobelia bushes, you need to take care of this in advance and plant the seeds in February.
Lobelia seedlings
It is better to sow lobelia seeds in February, since at the initial stage the development of the plant proceeds very slowly. It is best to pre-prepare the soil, in the fall - ideally, the ratio of one part of the sand with the same amount of land and 0.5 humus. The soil for planting should be loose, it is necessary for good access of air and moisture. Pour the soil into the cooked dishes and plant the seeds of lobelia there, without filling them with soil on top. Cover the container with glass.
Lobelia Cascade has a very important feature - the less often the seeds are planted, the less the sprouts will stretch. Therefore, fewer grains will produce better seedlings than plentifully planted seeds. After about 10 days, the first sprouts will appear. At this stage, you need to be very careful about caring for the plant. It is important to properly water, otherwise even slight waterlogging can lead to the death of sprouts (from rotting).
Dive Lobelia Seedlings
About a month after the first shoots, it is necessary to pick a plant. To do this, with a small pointed stick, divide the seedlings into bundles and transplant them into separate containers, based on the calculation of 1 square. meter of land about 10 bunches. After the plants reach a height of 3 cm, pinch the upper part of the shoot to achieve greater bushiness. In mid-May, it is already possible to transplant seedlings into open ground.
The cascade lobelia gives the first flowers at the beginning of summer, and flowering continues until August. Of course, at the end of summer, flowering begins to decline, but if measures are taken in time, then with the help of mineral substances, lobelia bloom can be extended until frost begins. To do this, cut the bushes and add fertilizer to the soil. Some days and lobelia will bloom again.
Lobelia fertilizer
Various fertilizers have a very good effect on the growth of lobelia, therefore, it is necessary already two weeks after planting the plant in open soil to start top-dressing with organic substances, which are bred in a ratio of 1:10 with mullein or nettle infusion. Exactly the same feeding option is used in August, immediately after cutting.
Lobelia has many advantages over other plants. It is unpretentious, calmly endures cooling and blooms throughout the summer. The flower will decorate any garden or balcony, and will delight others with a delightful waterfall of snow-white flowers.