Seeds (Lobelia erinus)

Lobelia erinus is a low, cushion-to-trailing annual prized for the sheer abundance of its tiny flowers. Plants stay compact at roughly 0.1-0.5 m tall and wide, spilling cleanly over the edges of pots and hanging baskets. The blooms are typically blue, violet or purple (with white, pink and red forms too), often lit by a crisp white or yellow eye, and they keep coming over a long season. It is a purely ornamental favourite for edging, window boxes and container displays.

Planting

In Egypt, treat lobelia as a cool-season (winter) annual: sow in nursery trays or seedbeds in September-October. The seed is extremely tiny, so press it onto the surface and do not cover it, since light is needed for germination; mixing it with a little sand helps spread it evenly. Germinate at about 18-24 degrees C, with seedlings emerging in roughly 14-21 days. Transplant into beds or containers in October-November, spacing plants about 10-15 cm apart (up to 20 cm for fuller beds), in full sun to partial shade.

Fertilizing

Lobelia feeds heavily through the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer about every two weeks early on, then a balanced liquid feed every 2-3 weeks; alternatively use a slow-release granular at planting plus a periodic liquid feed to keep blooms coming.

Care

Keep the soil reliably moist and well-drained, as this plant does not tolerate drought, but never waterlogged; avoid forceful overhead spraying that washes out the fine seed. Watch for slugs and snails, and guard against damping-off and root rot in wet conditions. In Upper Egypt give afternoon shade as spring warms to extend bloom before the heat ends the season.