Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Family: Campanulaceae
Cardinal Flower grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers rich, moist to wet soil. Water needs: High; do not allow soil to dry out.
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How to Grow Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun to partial shade, soil conditions listed as Rich, moist to wet soil with a soil pH of 5.5-7.0, and High; do not allow soil to dry out water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-9. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Cardinal Flower as 14-30 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as Surface sow; needs light to germinate. Days to maturity are listed as Usually flowers in second season.
Plant Overview
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is listed in the Campanulaceae family and categorized as a flower with a perennial life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0180
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Plant type
- Flower
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Growing Conditions
Cardinal Flower is listed for full sun to partial shade conditions. Water needs are listed as high; do not allow soil to dry out. The database soil reference is Rich, moist to wet soil. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-7.0, and the listed hardiness range is 3-9.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-9
- Sunlight
- Full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- Rich, moist to wet soil
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.0
- Water needs
- High; do not allow soil to dry out
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 14-30 days and the seed depth is Surface sow; needs light to germinate. Maturity guidance: Usually flowers in second season. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 14-30 days
- Seed depth
- Surface sow; needs light to germinate
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- Usually flowers in second season
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.