Lobelia inflata Seeds (Indian Tobacco)

Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata) is a herbaceous annual plant native to North America. Commonly known as Indian Tobacco or Puke Weed, it grows up to 2 feet tall and features slender, upright stems with lanceolate leaves. The plant produces small, pale blue to violet flowers in the summer, followed by inflated seed pods. Indian Tobacco is typically found in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. To propagate this plant, one can collect and sow Lobelia inflata seeds. It is important to note that while the plant’s common name may suggest its use as a tobacco substitute, it contains toxic alkaloids and should not be consumed.

Growing Lobelia inflata from Seed

• Growth cycle: Biennial
• Watering: Medium
• Sunlight: Partial Shade
• Suitable climates: Arid, Humid Continental, Humid Subtropical, Mediterranean, Subarctic
• Where to grow: Outdoors
• Flower color: White

Germinating Indian Tobacco Flower Seeds

To germinate Lobelia inflata, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last frost or outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Maintain temperatures between 60-70°F and seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks.

We source all of our Lobelia inflata seeds from a small greenhouse facility based in southeastern Maine and store them in a dark, temperature-controlled environment before shipment. You’ll find that our fresh Indian Tobacco seeds are much easier to germinate than the mass-produced packets of flower seeds found in stores! If you have any trouble growing Indian Tobacco seeds, we’re happy to send you additional gardening tips. In the (unlikely) event that your Lobelia inflata seeds do not germinate at all, we’ll give you a full refund, no questions asked.

We offer this variety on Etsy, eBay, and Amazon, as well!

Shipping & returns

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