LOBELIA

(Named for M. L’Obel, botanist and doctor of King James I)

Clear blues are discovered among the many annual Lobelias. The kinds of the Edging Lobelia, Lobelia erinus, the widespread species, are of two sorts-those which produce compact crops 4 inches tall, and trailing kinds, which dangle down for 2 or three ft over the edges of a pot. The flowers are tiny, deep or pale, white and blue, and are produced in nice abundance. The Lobelia tenuior is an Australian species moderately erect in development, 12 inches to 18 inches tall. In addition they have deep blue flowers with white facilities. The foliage of the deep blue kinds can be darkish and bluish in shade.

The place to Plant. The dwarf kinds present top-of-the-line blue annuals for edging beds of different flowers, however care should be exercised to pick out good varieties from dependable seedsmen, because the commoner kinds are trailing. The trailing kinds are engaging for hanging baskets, vases and window bins.

GENERAL. The Lobelia, although reasonably profitable, in most elements of america, is at its greatest within the cooler areas; the place the Summers will not be too scorching. Sow the seed in January within the greenhouse so that the crops could also be in bloom when set within the open soil. Nonetheless, the seed could also be sown as late as March; it is extremely effective and ought to be fastidiously dealt with. Transplant the younger crops when very small. Within the backyard the crops ought to stand 6 to eight inches aside. Lobelias are efficiently raised from slips, which, if taken within the Fall, will give flowering crops for the Winter window backyard.

Info on 50+ annual flowers