When to plant Lobelia in Sagadahoc County County,
In Sagadahoc County County, Lobelia is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant April 22–May 6 for an 80-day harvest, finishing well before the October 13 first frost.
When to Plant Lobelia in Sagadahoc County, ME
This month in Sagadahoc County, Maine
A quick June briefing for Sagadahoc County, Maine gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Basket week: lobelia
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Looking ahead to July
- Starting indoors: lobelia
- First harvests: lobelia
Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a cool-season annual prized for the intense cobalt blue that is rare among bedding flowers. It blooms most prolifically in spring and early summer but stalls or dies back during heat peaks above 90°F. In zones 3–7 it delivers a long display; in zones 8–9 it is best treated as a spring annual that fades by midsummer. Trailing types cascade beautifully from containers and window boxes.
Sagadahoc County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 1,163 feet, Sagadahoc County receives approximately 43.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lobelia during the growing season.
Sagadahoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Lobelia Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Sagadahoc County
How your county's soil matches Lobelia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Lobelia prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sagadahoc County is excellent for Lobelia — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Lobelia.
How to Plant Lobelia
Succession Planting Lobelia
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 to harvest before frost.
Lobelia Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lobelia
Lobelia needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lobelia Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sagadahoc County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lobelia Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lobelia Planting Timeline — Sagadahoc County, ME
Lobelia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Bloom | June 17 | Jun 17 – Sep 2 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Sagadahoc County
Growing Tips for Lobelia in Sagadahoc County
Direct sow Lobelia outdoors after April 29 in Sagadahoc County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 10–12 weeks before last frost — seed is dust-fine and requires light to germinate; surface-sow and press gently. Keep at 65–70°F. Not reliably direct-sown. Transplant in cool weather, 2–4 weeks before last frost date is acceptable in zones 5+. Shear plants by one-third after the first bloom flush to encourage a second flush in fall. Provide afternoon shade in zones 7+ to extend bloom into summer.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lobelia in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lobelia in Sagadahoc County, ME?
Sagadahoc County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sagadahoc County, ME?
Sagadahoc County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 13.
When should I plant Lobelia in Sagadahoc County County, ?
In Sagadahoc County County, , plant Lobelia after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sagadahoc County County, for Lobelia?
Sagadahoc County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lobelia grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lobelia grow in Sagadahoc County County's climate?
Yes — Lobelia grows well in Sagadahoc County County's temperate climate. Sagadahoc County County averages a 167-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 13.
Your Sagadahoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sagadahoc County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.