ReSeeding RI Home Species Index Seed Collecting Seed Cleaning Seeds to Plugs Foundation Plots

Pale-spiked lobelia (Lobelia spicata var. spicata)

A delicate late-spring perennial with light purple blooms

Pale-spiked lobelia (Lobelia spicata var. spicata)

A delicate late-spring perennial with light purple blooms

  • Blooming - Lobelia spicata

    Lobelia spicata flowers
  • Population - Lobelia spicata

    Lobelia spicata flowering population

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade in medium to wet soil 

Size: Height 0.75-2 ft, Spread 1-2 ft

Blooms: June to July

Landscape Use: Meadow, naturalized area

Habitat Value: Attracts small pollinators, including miner, mason and carpenter bees.

Pests & Diseases: Deer grazing may impact growth

Mature Seed Color: Red/Orange

Collect seeds from July to August when pods are brown and withered.

Collection & Cleaning Tips: Since the seeds are very small, use small brown paper envelope bags to collect pods. Empty pods and separate seeds from debris with cleaning screens.

Store clean, dry seeds in a refrigerator (40°F) in a sealed glassine envelope.

Germination Requirements: These seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate — a minimum of 30-60 days exposed to temperatures in the range of 40°F and below. Plant on the surface of moist soil as they need light to germinate. Sow outdoors in pots November through February.

  • Lobelia spicata seeds on 5mm x 5mm grid paper

    Lobelia spicata seeds
  • Seedling - Lobelia spicata

    Lobelia spicata seedling
  • Budding - Lobelia spicata

    Budding Lobelia spicata
  • Seeding - Lobelia spicata

    Lobelia spicata seed heads
ReSeeding RI Home Species Index Seed Collecting Seed Cleaning Seeds to Plugs Foundation Plots