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Annuals/Trailing Lobelia

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Expert: - 4/16/2011


Question
Hi,

I've bought some small Sapphire Trailing Lobelia from my local supermarket and have planted them in a small window box.

The window box gets a reasonable amount of sunlight during most of the late morning and early afternoon.  How long do you think it will be until it starts flowering and cascading?

Geographically, I am in the north west of England, UK, which is experiencing an unusually mild Spring (although though long that will last for is anyone's guess!!)

Also, any tips to really get them really "going mad" with growth?

Thanks for your help,

Gav

Answer
Lobelia is an exquisite plant that I have treasured since reading all about it in one of Vita Sackville-West's gardening books.  Beautiful!

It is here a little brisk still for summer annuals.  Be patient, my friend.  Summer is many weeks away.  Spring flowers are just sprung here on Long Island.  Your Lobelia needs to settle in and rev up its engines.

Whatever you do, don't feed them.  Until the weather is hot, they won't have the metabolism to deal with force-feeding.  You don't want spindly, flower-less Lobelia in your window boxes.  Let these plants acclimate.  Keep their roots vigorous by checking to make sure there is excellent drainage.  Watch for slugs (although those may not be a problem in a window box unless they have a ladder).  And wait.  Good things come to those who wait.

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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