When to sow Lobelia erinus 'Crystal Butterfly' seeds for flowering? Planting methods and value

Lobelia erinus 'Crystal Butterfly' is an annual herb, also known as lobelia, with the alternative names crystal butterfly flower, mountain lobelia, flower lobelia, and South African lobelia. It is a species under the genus Lobelia in the family Campanulaceae. Do you know what the seed planting methods for crystal butterfly flower are? When is it generally sown and when does it bloom? What value does it have? Crystal butterfly flower is native to southern Africa. It needs long daylight and low temperatures to bloom.

I. Seed planting methods for crystal butterfly flower

Propagation

Note that the seeds of crystal butterfly flower are very small, so when sowing you can mix in some fine sand before sowing, or first raise seedlings until they have 6-8 true leaves and then transplant them into pots or flower beds for cultivation; use a fine-holed watering can to water, and the force must never be too strong, to prevent the seeds from being washed away. The seeds can germinate 20 days after sowing at a temperature of 22°C. They are generally commonly used as potted plants and hanging basket plants or mixed with other flowers. The plants grow slowly, the seeds are very small, and no covering is needed during germination. It is not suited to high temperatures and grows better at 12-15°C. It can bloom 14-15 weeks after sowing. Generally sow 8-12 seeds per hole.

Fertilizing

Add a slow-release fertilizer at the same time as planting out, then apply additional fertilizer about every three weeks after that. Especially before the flowering period arrives, supplement with a relatively larger amount of phosphorus fertilizer to promote flowering

II. When is crystal butterfly flower generally sown and when does it bloom

The common sowing times for crystal butterfly flower are spring sowing (around March, or earlier in winter if conditions allow) and autumn sowing (around October). Because temperature control is now relatively easy, the sowing time for crystal butterfly flower is also relatively flexible. The natural flowering period of crystal butterfly flower is from July to September, and it takes 3-4 months from sowing to flowering.

Sowing and germination time for crystal butterfly flower: about 15 days;

Soil covering after sowing crystal butterfly flower: it needs light to germinate, do not cover it, and after sowing provide shade to avoid direct sunlight;

III. The value of crystal butterfly flower

The distinctive blue-flowered variety is an important variety for spring flower beds. When in bloom, the whole plant takes on a swollen rounded shape, and the plant is almost completely covered by flowers. It is suitable for flower beds, potted plants, hanging baskets, and garden landscaping, and is widely loved by households in Europe and America.