Lobelia are considered moderately high maintenance. Although they require little care, they resent care mistakes and acknowledge this with, among other things, a decreasing bloom and susceptibility to disease. So how do you do it right?

The lobelia is very easy to care for

How important is watering?

The greatest attention should be paid to the water balance of these flowers. They have a high water requirement and are greedy for cool water, especially when they are in bloom in summer. The water is superficially important for lush flowering.

If the plants are too dry, you can tell by wilted, dried-up leaves, for example. Always water when the top layer of soil has dried - preferably in the morning and, if necessary, on hot days in the afternoon a second time. But be careful not to get waterlogged. This causes discomfort to the lobelia.

What role does fertilization play?

Fertilizing is also crucial for rich flowering.

  • Lobelia in pots: fertilize every 1 to 2 weeks
  • Dose liquid fertilizer correctly
  • important nutrients: nitrogen and phosphorus
  • It is best to add fertilizer to the irrigation water
  • fertilize from March to August
  • use horn meal as an alternative to liquid fertilizer

Can a pruning be avoided?

Lobelia do not need pruning. Only the withered flowers should be removed towards the end of July. A hand hedge trimmer (€24.99) can be used for this. Otherwise, these old buds are just unnecessary ballast for this plant. After pruning, new shoots appear, which bloom soon and until autumn.

Should you overwinter the lobelia?

Unfortunately, the lobelia is only annual in this country. The reason: it is not hardy. Even overwintering is not worthwhile for most species. Therefore, the lobelia should be torn out and composted in October. Next year you can buy new copies.

Those species that are perennial can be overwintered. They should be cut down in autumn and placed in a cool place at 5 to 10 °C. They also need to be watered lightly in winter. Perennial lobelia can be put outside again from May.

tips

If your lobelia has mottled leaves, it's probably due to a disease. Bacterial infections are identified by square spots, while fungal diseases leave rounded spots.

Category:

Herbs