When to Plant Lobelia in Lander County, NV
June in the garden — Lander County, Nevada
Your Lander County, Nevada garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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.
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 118 days.
At an elevation of 6,987 feet, Lander County receives approximately 9.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lobelia during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lobelia will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lobelia successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Lander County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.4
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 Lander County
How your county's soil matches Lobelia's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.4) is more alkaline than Lobelia prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lander County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lobelia will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lobelia.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Lobelia.
How to Plant Lobelia
Lobelia Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lander 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 — Lander County, NV
Lobelia Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Bloom | July 8 | Jul 8 – Sep 30 |
· 6" apart · Rows 8" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
118 days in Lander County
Growing Tips for Lobelia in Lander County
Direct sow Lobelia outdoors after May 27 in Lander County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lander County dries quickly — mulch Lobelia with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Lander County receives only 9" of rain annually. Lobelia needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Lander County, NV?
Lander County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 27. Plan your Lobelia planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lander County, NV?
Lander County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 27 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Lander County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lander County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.