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