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Hudson Valley Seed Co.

Great Blue Lobelia - PollinateHV Local Ecotype

Lobelia siphlitica

Certified Organic

Pollinators adore these pretty spikes of purple blooms.

An easy-to-grow native plant with spires of beautiful purple blooms, Great Blue Lobelia is a long-blooming source of nectar in the summer and fall. It’s known to support at least three native Hudson Valley bumblebees whose populations are threatened or declining. It thrives in moist (but not sodden) soils—as well as partial shade—making it a great native plant for many dappled-light gardens around homes, under trees, or in dense neighborhoods.

This local ecotype seed is of Hudson Valley wild origin and has been scaled for production on our farm in Accord, NY.

PollinateHV is a collaboration between the Hudson Valley Seed Company and Partners for Climate Action Hudson Valley in support of threatened native pollinators.

 We worked with a team of expert botanists, seed collectors, nursery growers and farmers to produce local ecotype native seeds to support at-risk Hudson Valley pollinators. You can find more information about this project at pollinatehv.org/seed-work. Learn more about the Hudson Valley's threatened pollinators and find resources to install pollinator habitat at all scales at pollinatehv.org.

Unit Price Quantity Availability
250 Seeds $5.79
In Stock

Price as selected: $5.79

Pickup available at Hudson Valley Seed Company

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Growing instructions
Cold stratification required: direct sow in fall or early winter into a clean, prepared bed. Or, for spring sowing, sow shallowly about 10 weeks before last frost, in rich, damp soil. Cover and refrigerate for 3 weeks. Afterwards, move to a 70-degree, well-lit spot for germination, which can take up to 28 days. Harden off and transplant outdoors into rich, moist soil after last frost.
Product Details
Days to Maturity 160 days
Days to Germination 10 - 30 days
Height at Maturiry 30-36 inches
Hardiness Zone Range 456789
Sun Conditions Partial Sun (4-6 hours Sun)Full Sun (8+ Hours Sun)
Planting Depth Barely Cover
Row Spacing 18-24 inches
Plant Spacing 12-18 inches
Pollinator Partners
The Half-Black Bumblebee has a wide native range but is declining rapidly in the Northeast for reasons that are mostly unknown. But scientists do know that this bee is a specialist, requiring plants with long, narrow flower shapes like Great Blue Lobelia. The decline of these native flowers might be a primary threat to the half-black bumblebee.

The Northern Amber Bumbplebee uses Great Blue Lobelia as major nectar source. This bumblebee is native to much of the eastern United States and Midwest, with a conservation rank os S3 (vulnerable) in New York. A ground-nesting bee, it's often found in fields, orchards, forest edges and hedgerows. Overwintering queen bees emerge later in spring than many other hibernating bee species.

    Great Blue Lobelia - PollinateHV Local Ecotype
    Great Blue Lobelia - PollinateHV Local Ecotype
    Great Blue Lobelia - PollinateHV Local Ecotype
    Great Blue Lobelia - PollinateHV Local Ecotype

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