Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) [50 Seeds]

Germination Information: I recommend these seeds for experienced seed-starters only, partly because they are very tiny and partly because they might require some patience.

One approach is to surface-sow the seeds in fall to late winter, setting them outdoors in a spot protected from mice so they can get a chilling period and then germinate when conditions are right in spring.

If you sow after February, consider setting the pot in a plastic bag in your refrigerator for about 2 months before moving it to a warm, bright place for germination. (Remove the bag if the pot will be exposed to any direct sun.)

It is also possible that these seeds will germinate when sowed in warm, moist conditions. In spring of 2020, I sowed some on April 5, indoors on a heat mat and under lights, and the first sprouts appeared on April 12, with more seedlings gradually appearing over the next 4 to 6 weeks.