Indian tobacco
Lobelia inflata · Campanulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant indian tobacco: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Lobelia inflata
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Plant type
- Annual or biennial herb
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Flowering
- July to September
- Exposure
- Full sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, grown as annual in temperate climates
- Origin
- North America
Care
Exposure
Indian tobacco appreciates sunny to partially shaded locations. Choose a spot sheltered from direct wind, which could damage its delicate stems. Generous light promotes denser and more prolonged flowering.
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without waterlogging. Water at the base or surface to avoid wetting the foliage, particularly in the evening. Reduce slightly during cooler periods, but never let the substrate dry out completely.
Soil
Prefer rich, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding compost or organic matter at sowing improves initial growth. Avoid compact or chalky soils that can slow development.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer every 15 to 20 days during the growth and flowering period. You can use diluted liquid fertilizer for flowering plants. Stop feeding in autumn to encourage natural senescence.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young plants at 10-15 cm to encourage branching and a more compact shape. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. This plant requires little structural pruning if properly managed from sowing.
Pests and diseases
Watch for powdery mildew and root rot in case of stagnant excess moisture. Aphids and whiteflies can occasionally infest young shoots. Maintain good air circulation and follow measured watering practices to limit these issues.
Did you know?
Indian tobacco owes its name to properties historically recognized by native peoples of North America, though it is distinct from cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). This small herb with delicate blue flowers long captivated 19th-century European botanists and herbalists, who integrated it into traditional pharmacopeias before its uses were gradually abandoned.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Trailing bellflowerCampanula poscharskyana
- Dalmatian bellflowerCampanula portenschlagiana
- PānakenakeLobelia angulata
- Carpathian bellflowerCampanula carpatica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.