Trailing lobelia 'Crystal Palace'

Lobelia erinus

How to grow Trailing lobelia 'Crystal Palace'

  • Partial Sun

  • High

Does best in partial shade to full sun in cooler climates, with a well-drained moist soil mix 2.

Since the plants in nature are bog plants they need to be kept moist at all times 2.

Fertilize the plants every other week with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label 2.

Does not like hot, dry weather – rejuvenate in midsummer by cutting back by half their height, which also will help them become bushier. Reapply fertilizer and water them well 3.

When the first flush of flowers has finished, chop back the plant to encourage fresh growth and more flowers

Enjoys a partial sun position in your garden and remember to water often. Keep in mind when planting that Crystal Palace is thought of as half hardy, so remember to protect this plant from frosts and low temperatures.

Growing Crystal Palace from seed

Sow in spring or autumn.

Sow seeds as thinly as possible – the finer you sow them, the easier pricking out will be. Lightly press the seeds into the compost/potting medium but do not cover them with soil as they need light to germinate. Place in warmth 15 to 20°C (60 to 70°F), and keep moist at all times 3.

In cooler climates it is best to sow the seeds indoors to start with. Sow thinly onto the surface of a pre watered tray filled with compost. Firm lightly into the surface and cover with a sheet of glass, perspex or cling film. keep at 15 to 20C
As the seeds begin to germinate in 14 to 21 days remove the cover.

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 9.75 inches (25.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 0.08 inches (0.2 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 15°C / 59°F to ensure good germination.

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Crystal Palace about 105 days before your last frost date.

Transplanting Crystal Palace

When large enough to handle (usually after 5 to 6 weeks) transplant 5cm (2in) apart into trays of potting compost. It is easier to transplant little clumps of Lobelia seedlings than to try to transplant single seedlings 3. Keep the seedlings in a light, cool position, but shade from bright sun.
Harden off the seedlings when all danger of frost has past.
Plant at 15 cm apart in final position, as the plants will spread 3.

Ensure that temperatures are mild (minimum night temperatures should be around 10°C / 50°F) and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Crystal Palace is a half hardy plant.

Harvesting Crystal Palace

Footnotes