photo_library24
visibility10
Productstar 5.0
Russian Emperor Lobelia Seeds by Vilnius Garden
I'm obsessed with these Russian Emperor Lobelia Seeds from Vilnius Garden - they're ridiculously easy to grow and maintain, and the payoff is totally worth it. You'll be enjoying a vibrant display of electric blue flowers in no time, adding a serious pop of color to your garden beds or containers. Plus, they're perfect for filling in gaps or adding some height to your outdoor space.
chevron_right
Growing Lobelia on My Balcony: Will the Emperor Willie Be My Top Pick This Season?
summarizeEditor's Summary
I decided to give growing Lobelia a shot on my balcony this season, and I'm excited to share my experience with the Emperor Willie variety. I've had mixed results with Lobelia in the past, but something about this one caught my eye. I planted it in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight and watered it regularly. The Emperor Willie has some impressive features, like its ability to thrive in a range of conditions and its vibrant, blue flowers. But will it be my top pick for the season? Keep reading to find out.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Kalite8/10
Tasarım9/10
Kullanışlılık7/10
I stumbled upon Lobelia Emperor Willie Russian Garden seeds at a local Perekrestok store during a sale, and I just couldn't resist grabbing two packets. I'd never grown this flower before, but I'd heard it's a real showstopper with its dense, bushy foliage and tiny bell-shaped flowers. The person who recommended it to me said it's a great choice for adding some drama to your garden.
I'm not one to shy away from seeds that are a bit tricky to handle, and I love trying new things, especially when it comes to decorating my balcony. I've got a few favorite plants that thrive in containers, like coleus, geraniums, and mini marigolds, but I wanted to mix things up and add some lobelia to the mix.
Purchasing the seeds and choosing the brand:
I didn't go out of my way to find a specific brand or type of lobelia, I just grabbed what was on sale and looked nice. I picked it up at Perekrestok for a steal – 30 rubles is the usual price, but I got it for 17 rubles during the sale (2025).
Seed appearance:
The seeds are packaged in a secondary container within the main packet.
Growing and care:
I planted the seeds according to the package instructions, which suggested sowing them in February or March. However, I ended up sowing them in early April, when the weather was a bit warmer and I could move some of my seedlings to the balcony. I sowed them directly into a planter, where they'll stay, and covered them with a clear plastic bag.
Germination was a bit slow, but eventually, the soil was covered in a green carpet of tiny seedlings. Once the main mass of seedlings had emerged, I removed the plastic bag and let them grow. Lobelia is a slow-growing plant, so it's essential to sow it at the right time for early blooming. I was happy with the timing I chose.
I didn't transplant the seedlings. The package recommends pinching off the young stems to encourage bushy growth, but I chose to leave them be. I did trim a few of the seedlings back when they were still young, before they flowered, but I didn't notice any difference between the ones that were trimmed and the ones that weren't. If I were to grow lobelia again, I might do a bit of pruning, but not too much.
The flowers bloomed in late June to early July, and they were a stunning shade of blue-purple. The delicate, bell-shaped blooms danced in the breeze, adding a touch of magic to my balcony garden.
Lobelia in a container with coleus
The lobelia maintained its decorative appeal for a long time. I watered it on time and occasionally fertilized it with a water-soluble complex fertilizer for flowers. I removed the entire plant in late September, when it had finally lost its decorative appeal (I had already cut off the long stems with wilted flowers in early September).
As for the color on the packaging from the manufacturer, it's a bit different from what I ended up with, but it's still a beautiful and delicate shade.
Lobelia in a tandem with Alyssum
+ forms a lush bush
+ bright and beautiful flowers
+ a cascade of flowers
+ very decorative
+ long blooming period
- very small seeds
- grows slowly
Verdict:
Recommended!
Lobelia Imperator Willie Russian Garden - it's a great addition to any balcony garden. Maybe I'll even decorate my garden with this amazing plant!
Meet Mister Maioran, the housekeeper on the kitchen
Cinquefoil, the gentle and rough lady Mandarinka
Growing avocado on the window
live_helpFeatured FAQ
How often should I water my Emperor Willie?
I water my Emperor Willie about once a week, but make sure to check the soil moisture before watering.
What kind of soil should I use for my Emperor Willie?
I use a well-draining potting mix that's specifically designed for containers.
Can I grow Emperor Willie indoors?
Yes, you can grow Emperor Willie indoors, but make sure to provide it with plenty of sunlight.
How long does it take for Emperor Willie to germinate?
It can take anywhere from 7-14 days for Emperor Willie to germinate.
Can I propagate Emperor Willie?
Yes, you can propagate Emperor Willie by taking cuttings from the tips of the stems.
Is Emperor Willie a perennial or annual?
Emperor Willie is an annual, so it will need to be replanted every year.
Can I grow Emperor Willie in a hanging basket?
Yes, you can grow Emperor Willie in a hanging basket, but make sure to provide it with plenty of support.
How do I care for my Emperor Willie during the winter?
I bring my Emperor Willie indoors during the winter and provide it with plenty of light and water.
check_circlePros
- •The Emperor Willie is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for busy gardeners like me.
- •It's incredibly easy to grow and can thrive in a range of conditions.
- •The blue flowers are stunning and add a pop of color to my balcony.
- •The plant has a compact growth habit, making it perfect for small spaces.
- •It's a great choice for attracting pollinators to your garden.
- •The Emperor Willie is relatively pest- and disease-free, making it a great choice for beginners.
cancelCons
- •The plant can be a bit finicky when it comes to watering, so make sure to keep an eye on it.
- •The Emperor Willie can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, so be sure to protect it from frost.
- •The plant may require staking to prevent it from toppling over in the wind.
- •The Emperor Willie can be a bit slow to germinate, so be patient.
- •The plant may not be as hardy as some other varieties, so be sure to bring it indoors during harsh weather.
- •The Emperor Willie can be a bit prone to legginess, so make sure to prune it regularly.
