Low-growing lobelia produces small flowers, available in shades of blue, wine and white. Its compact growth makes it a favorite of gardeners for filling containers, edging flower beds and decorating rock gardens. Lobelia seeds are tiny and slow to germinate and grow. If you have patience and like the idea of saving money by starting your own lobelia, plan to begin them indoors at least 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date.
Purchase 2-inch peat pots and soak them in water until they swell. Allow them to drain for two hours before placing the seeds in them. Place the moistened peat pots in a flat seed tray.
Sprinkle two to three lobelia seeds into each peat pot. The seeds are very tiny, so do the best you can. Lightly tap the them down into the pot, but do not cover them.
Place the tray of peat pots in a brightly lit area, such as near a window.
Water the peat pots by putting water in the bottom of the tray. This allows the pots to soak up water from the bottom.
Thin the peat pots to one healthy seedling per pot. You can snip off the weaker seedlings when the plants are 2 inches tall.
Transplant the lobelia seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. When planting them into flower beds or containers, space the plants 6 inches apart. The best location for lobelia, whether in containers or flowerbeds, is in full sun or partial shade and in well-drained soil.