Lobelia Crystal Palace

Dainty, deep blue flowers, the personification of the summer garden. Ball-shaped, very dwarf, compact plants. Primarily for edging or contrasting with another flower like alyssum but a group or bed can be a very effective foil to bright colours in sunshine. Useful for hanging baskets too. Flowers late spring to first frosts. Height: 4in.

Sow late winter to mid spring at 18-24C (65-75F) in a good seed compost. Sow seed on surface of compost and gently firm down compost. Keep soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light, sealing in a polythene bag after sowing is helpful. Germination usually takes 14-21 days.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant in bunches of 3 or 4 and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 1-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 1cm (4in) apart in a sunny spot in light m

HARVESTING;-