Cardinal Lobelia cardinalis 

 Easy

Starting indoors 

Easily self seeds. Keep in fridge for cold stratification. Sow seeds on top of soil mix as they need light to germinate. Once stratification is done, place in a bright warm location with good direct sunlight. Harden seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting outside

Direct sowing in garden

Let plant mature & seeds fall naturally or collect seeds and sprinkle around where you would like

Easy

When seed pods begin to open, pick them off to collect seed. Store in cool, dry location

🌅 Outdoors
Preferred to better fulfill light needs

🏠 Indoors 

Requires frequent watering when placed in containers. Best to use large, well-draining pots filled with ordinary commercial potting mix

☀️ Full Sun 

• Temps: 🌡️ Prefers cooler temps, can survive to as low as -34F

• Hardiness Zones: 🗺️ 3 to 9 (2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map - Michigan)

• Humidity: 🌫️Prefers higher levels as these flowers love moisture, not suited for arid climates

• Water Conditions: 💧 Moist or even wet, can withstand prolonged seasonal flooding

• pH: 🧪 Neutral to slightly acidic

• Soil conditions: 🌱 No specifics, can add a layer of mulch to help maintain moisture

Late summer

Plant may be toxic if ingested in large quantities

Needs protection from midday sun