Lobelia telekii (Giant Lobelia) seeds

Very rarely seen, unusual plant from the high mountains of East Africa related to the more well known Lobelia tupa.  Forms a rosette of hairy, blue green leaves from which rises a huge flower spike up to 3m tall with tiny purple flowers hidden among long, silvery bracts.  The plant dies once this spike reaches maturity scattering seeds which will grow into new plants.  In the wild this can take up to 70 years!  As it is an alpine plant, it is best grown in light, gritty, free draining medium in plenty of sun.  Temperatures in its native habitat are often below freezing so it will tolerate cold as long as the growing medium is kept fairly dry.

Almost unheard of in cultivation, so if you like a challenge, why not give it a try!

Hardy Perennial if kept dry
Height: to 3m
Position: Sun and free draining, gritty medium 

Packet of 20 seeds

Caution: Harmful if eaten

GROWING GUIDE

Sowing Instructions: Sow at any time of the year except early-mid summer on the surface of a moist, free-draining seed compost (eg. John Innes), do not cover the seed and seal in a polythene bag. Place in the fridge for 6 weeks, then propagate at 20 to 25C and germination should take place in 14-30 days.

Growing Instructions: Grow the seedlings on in slightly cooler conditions and when they are large enough to handle, pot on into 7.5cm pots. Overwinter if necessary in a frost-free place. When large enough, and after all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions before planting out in a sunny position in gritty, free draining medium.  Keep as dry as possible in winter.

Caution: Harmful if eaten