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Cardinal Flower Seeds

Lobelia cardinalis

4.79 (29 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow cardinal flower seeds in late fall, planting on the surface of the soil since these seeds need light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. To start indoors, sow the seed 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring and keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Transplant the seedlings as soon as they can safely be handled and there is no chance of frost.

Growing: Keep seedings well watered and control weeds. These plants need continual moisture, and thrive even in very wet soil. They may self-sow in growing conditions. Mature plants can be divided in early spring. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and flourish near ponds or streams. Deer, rabbit, and small pests usually avoid this plant.

Harvesting: These blooms make excellent cut flowers. Choose stalks with flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the foliage that will fall below the surface of the water.

Seed Saving: As soon as the flowers fade, watch the seed heads carefully since the tiny seed can easily blow away in the wind. Shake the seed heads over a container to remove the ripe seed; repeat until all the seed has ripened. Store the cleaned cardinal flower seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Lobelia cardinalis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: California, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 419,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 48 Inches

Color: Red

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Hummingbirds

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Tyler Bruce

Cardinal Flower

Not sure if I messed up in the stratification process but no luck with these

Hello! Make sure to stratify for at least 6 weeks and after you sow these, it can take 3 weeks until you see germination. So please give these a little more time and if they don't sprout, reach back out to us!

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Bill in Massachusetts

Great Packaging

I just received my order from Everwilde Farms. Although, it is still early to start planting my seeds at this time, I couldn't be anymore impressed with the packaging the seeds came in and the concise planting instructions on said package. I can't wait to get these seeds in the ground in about a month or so.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Ss

Seeds

Nicely packaged

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Dale

Prompt service Nice packaging .

Recieved my seeds exactly when they said ithey would arrive .The seeds are kept in an excellent package type that keeps them in nice condition . Haven't planted yet but thus far this company is coming through with great service .

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Michael

Too early to tell.

Great service. Seeds arrived as promised. Will plant this spring.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Christine

My Favorite Flower

I have been buying Lobelia Cardinalis seeds for Everwilde for my meadows for many years now. I have always been happy with the quality of their products!

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By BearMountainBooks

First time trying these

We have a stream on our property so I planted some seeds nearby. Don't know if they will come up as the stream changes size! But I also planted near a water trough. High hopes. Nice packaging and very fast shipping.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Ron H

Great Service

Ordered my seeds and they were quickly shipped. They arrived extremely well packed/sealed with excellent instructions for planting. Looking forward to having those beautiful cardinal flowers!

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Seeds Like Dust

Seeds like Dust

Just looks like a small amount of dust in the bottom of the package. Is that the seeds?

Cardinal Flower is a super fine seed. There is around 2000 seeds in a packet which is only .006 of an ounce! I'm sorry you're expectations were not met and if you reach out to customer support we can ship you another packet.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Brad VanTassel

Great selection filters for native plants

I have been trying to grow native plants for the environmental benefits and to support insect and bird populations. You're website made it so easy to identify native flowers for my region. The growing tips are also much appreciated.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Chris Tabaka

Great service

I have been buying seeds from Everwilde for years now. I am always pleased with my purchase & the service.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By NIcola Bludau

general on the company

I get exceptionally good germination with all their seeds and the seed count is very generous also. I like that they have all the growing instructions on the packet. I don't like the website though it is very cumbersome to use, there is no such category like "all plants", I cannot open anything in a new tab and if I look at any seeds it sends me back to the top of the page. I cannot copy and paste either (handy for import or looking up more information). But this is a small inconvenience given the quality of seeds and the reliability of the company!

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Gerald Spicklemire

Overpriced shipping

I'm sure the product is fine, but won't know until next spring. I ordered cardinal flowers, but got a packet of seeds. They may become cardinal flowers eventually, but only time will tell. Meanwhile the shipping charge for a packet of seeds was exorbitant.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Revonda Layton

Cardinal flower

Excellent website. Easy to navigate. Prompt service and very good value. Highly recommended.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Harry Ebert

Excellent Service!

I am very pleased with the excellent service provided by Everwilde on a recent online purchase. Fast service, excellent communications, accurate order filling and a fair price. I'll be ordering again soon!

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By ZZnature

Arrived promptly

Seed order arrived promptly for fall germination. Envelopes nice with resealable zipper.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Carolann Arthur

Cardinal Flower

Looking forward to growing this beautiful flower. Thank you!

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By RICHARD SAFREED

Cardinal Flower Roots

Requested product was received in a timely manner and in good condition.
No complaints.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Casey Taylor

Very Happy

The transaction went smoothly and recieved the seeds in a timely manner. I can't wait to plant them for next year. The hummingbirds that come to my feeder will be happy that they also have a flowers to eat from.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Kenton Pember

Seeds

Great so far, will know more once the seeds get started

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Artyice Kolstad

Cardinal

We'll see they are in frig until at least the end of May. I'm anxious to see what happens. Let you know

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By John Peters

perenial seeds

i was impressed with how many of the seeds on my list were in your catalog and was also pleased to find that i could buy them in small quantity. i will spread the word. i am planting at a cabin in a pennsylvania state park and must adhere to a strict list of native plants.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Rhonda Allen

Wildflower seeds

Love the wonderful array of seeds you have available at Everwilde.
I look forward to seeing their blooms.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Charles Eusey

Cardinal Flowers

The service was speedy and the package was of high quality.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Jennifer G

Takes 2 seasons

Mine did not bloom the first year. There is a rosette that's almost evergreen that bolts and flowers the following uear.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Cory

Seed Germinated

I can only comment on the quality of the seed, not the mature plants. I followed the cold stratification directions and started them in peat pots. The seed germinated well, and I got tons of sprouts. While I was away on vacation, the plant sitter let them dry out, and they all died, unfortunately. I will try again next year.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 1.0
Review By DAN

not much luck growing from seed

Didnt have much luck growing this lobelia from seed and am very careful about my soil which I vapor cook to kill all fungus and pathogens or insects and spray with copper sulfate.but am ordering to try again .

Cardinal Flower Seeds 5.0
Review By Stupid Girl

Stunning color

I planted these in a wet rock garden 4 years ago an each year I get a few stalks with the most vivid red flowers on them. This year I collected the seeds and plan to sow them in a field area near my pond.

Cardinal Flower Seeds 3.0
Review By electriac

Wetland Plant

This plant requires a wet location and is often found on the shorelines of lakes and swamps. It is a unreliable perennial.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~2,000 Seeds) $3.75 -+
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $9.60 -+
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $28.00 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~419,000 Seeds) $80.00 -+
1/4 Lb Bulk Bag (113g) $320.00 Notify Me
1 Lb Bulk Bag (454g) $1,200.00 Notify Me
Add to Wishlist

DESCRIPTION

True to its name, this brilliant wildflower sports the scarlet hue of the cardinal. It has been called the reddest red in nature and flourishes in wet areas near ponds or streams. This flower is a native perennial wildflower that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
The brilliant color of this perennial Lobelia earned it its common name, which refers to the traditional red vestments of cardinals. Historical records show that explorers first encountered this native plant near a river in Canada, and sent it back to Europe for classification. The genus name of this perennial, Lobelia, honors Flemish botanist Mathias de Lobel. This flower received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: Direct sow cardinal flower seeds in late fall, planting on the surface of the soil since these seeds need light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. To start indoors, sow the seed 6-8 weeks before the last frost of spring and keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Transplant the seedlings as soon as they can safely be handled and there is no chance of frost.

Growing: Keep seedings well watered and control weeds. These plants need continual moisture, and thrive even in very wet soil. They may self-sow in growing conditions. Mature plants can be divided in early spring. These flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and flourish near ponds or streams. Deer, rabbit, and small pests usually avoid this plant.

Harvesting: These blooms make excellent cut flowers. Choose stalks with flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the foliage that will fall below the surface of the water.

Seed Saving: As soon as the flowers fade, watch the seed heads carefully since the tiny seed can easily blow away in the wind. Shake the seed heads over a container to remove the ripe seed; repeat until all the seed has ripened. Store the cleaned cardinal flower seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Lobelia cardinalis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

US Regions: California, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 419,000

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun

Height: 48 Inches

Color: Red

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Hummingbirds

Reviews

4.79
Global Rating: 4.79 from 29 reviews
5.0

Review By Tyler Bruce

Cardinal Flower

Not sure if I messed up in the stratification process but no luck with these

Hello! Make sure to stratify for at least 6 weeks and after you sow these, it can take 3 weeks until you see germination. So please give these a little more time and if they don't sprout, reach back out to us!

5.0

Review By Bill in Massachusetts

Great Packaging

I just received my order from Everwilde Farms. Although, it is still early to start planting my seeds at this time, I couldn't be anymore impressed with the packaging the seeds came in and the concise planting instructions on said package. I can't wait to get these seeds in the ground in about a month or so.

5.0

Review By Ss

Seeds

Nicely packaged

5.0

Review By Dale

Prompt service Nice packaging .

Recieved my seeds exactly when they said ithey would arrive .The seeds are kept in an excellent package type that keeps them in nice condition . Haven't planted yet but thus far this company is coming through with great service .

5.0

Review By Michael

Too early to tell.

Great service. Seeds arrived as promised. Will plant this spring.

5.0

Review By Christine

My Favorite Flower

I have been buying Lobelia Cardinalis seeds for Everwilde for my meadows for many years now. I have always been happy with the quality of their products!

5.0

Review By BearMountainBooks

First time trying these

We have a stream on our property so I planted some seeds nearby. Don't know if they will come up as the stream changes size! But I also planted near a water trough. High hopes. Nice packaging and very fast shipping.

5.0

Review By Ron H

Great Service

Ordered my seeds and they were quickly shipped. They arrived extremely well packed/sealed with excellent instructions for planting. Looking forward to having those beautiful cardinal flowers!

5.0

Review By Seeds Like Dust

Seeds like Dust

Just looks like a small amount of dust in the bottom of the package. Is that the seeds?

Cardinal Flower is a super fine seed. There is around 2000 seeds in a packet which is only .006 of an ounce! I'm sorry you're expectations were not met and if you reach out to customer support we can ship you another packet.

5.0

Review By Brad VanTassel

Great selection filters for native plants

I have been trying to grow native plants for the environmental benefits and to support insect and bird populations. You're website made it so easy to identify native flowers for my region. The growing tips are also much appreciated.

5.0

Review By Chris Tabaka

Great service

I have been buying seeds from Everwilde for years now. I am always pleased with my purchase & the service.

5.0

Review By NIcola Bludau

general on the company

I get exceptionally good germination with all their seeds and the seed count is very generous also. I like that they have all the growing instructions on the packet. I don't like the website though it is very cumbersome to use, there is no such category like "all plants", I cannot open anything in a new tab and if I look at any seeds it sends me back to the top of the page. I cannot copy and paste either (handy for import or looking up more information). But this is a small inconvenience given the quality of seeds and the reliability of the company!

5.0

Review By Gerald Spicklemire

Overpriced shipping

I'm sure the product is fine, but won't know until next spring. I ordered cardinal flowers, but got a packet of seeds. They may become cardinal flowers eventually, but only time will tell. Meanwhile the shipping charge for a packet of seeds was exorbitant.

5.0

Review By Revonda Layton

Cardinal flower

Excellent website. Easy to navigate. Prompt service and very good value. Highly recommended.

5.0

Review By Harry Ebert

Excellent Service!

I am very pleased with the excellent service provided by Everwilde on a recent online purchase. Fast service, excellent communications, accurate order filling and a fair price. I'll be ordering again soon!

5.0

Review By ZZnature

Arrived promptly

Seed order arrived promptly for fall germination. Envelopes nice with resealable zipper.

5.0

Review By Carolann Arthur

Cardinal Flower

Looking forward to growing this beautiful flower. Thank you!

5.0

Review By RICHARD SAFREED

Cardinal Flower Roots

Requested product was received in a timely manner and in good condition.
No complaints.

5.0

Review By Casey Taylor

Very Happy

The transaction went smoothly and recieved the seeds in a timely manner. I can't wait to plant them for next year. The hummingbirds that come to my feeder will be happy that they also have a flowers to eat from.

5.0

Review By Kenton Pember

Seeds

Great so far, will know more once the seeds get started

5.0

Review By Artyice Kolstad

Cardinal

We'll see they are in frig until at least the end of May. I'm anxious to see what happens. Let you know

5.0

Review By John Peters

perenial seeds

i was impressed with how many of the seeds on my list were in your catalog and was also pleased to find that i could buy them in small quantity. i will spread the word. i am planting at a cabin in a pennsylvania state park and must adhere to a strict list of native plants.

5.0

Review By Rhonda Allen

Wildflower seeds

Love the wonderful array of seeds you have available at Everwilde.
I look forward to seeing their blooms.

5.0

Review By Charles Eusey

Cardinal Flowers

The service was speedy and the package was of high quality.

5.0

Review By Jennifer G

Takes 2 seasons

Mine did not bloom the first year. There is a rosette that's almost evergreen that bolts and flowers the following uear.

5.0

Review By Cory

Seed Germinated

I can only comment on the quality of the seed, not the mature plants. I followed the cold stratification directions and started them in peat pots. The seed germinated well, and I got tons of sprouts. While I was away on vacation, the plant sitter let them dry out, and they all died, unfortunately. I will try again next year.

1.0

Review By DAN

not much luck growing from seed

Didnt have much luck growing this lobelia from seed and am very careful about my soil which I vapor cook to kill all fungus and pathogens or insects and spray with copper sulfate.but am ordering to try again .

5.0

Review By Stupid Girl

Stunning color

I planted these in a wet rock garden 4 years ago an each year I get a few stalks with the most vivid red flowers on them. This year I collected the seeds and plan to sow them in a field area near my pond.

3.0

Review By electriac

Wetland Plant

This plant requires a wet location and is often found on the shorelines of lakes and swamps. It is a unreliable perennial.