Devil's tobacco (Lobelia tupa) - seeds

The whole plant is toxic, seeds included. It contains lobeline and related alkaloids, and its latex is irritating.

• Never ingest, in any form or at any dose
• Do not smoke or inhale, despite the name Chilean tradition gives it
• Handle with gloves: the latex can irritate the skin and eyes
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• In case of accidental ingestion, immediately call 15 (French emergency services) or a poison control centre

Sale restricted to adults (18 and over).

A packet of 20 Lobelia tupa seeds. They are extremely fine, as with all lobelias.

Sow in spring on the surface, without covering: germination is triggered by light. Press the seeds onto a fine substrate and keep moist by misting, at 18 to 20 °C. Germination takes two to four weeks and produces tiny seedlings that need to be handled patiently.

Prick out at two true leaves, then plant out 80 cm apart in rich, moist, well-drained soil, in sun or light partial shade. Unlike many collector's plants, this one appreciates well-fed soil.

An upright clump of 1.50 m to 2.50 m when in full form, with large lance-shaped leaves covered in a down that gives them a greyish, matt look. From July until the frosts, it bears dense spikes of curved tubular flowers, brick red to dark purple, 4 to 5 cm long. In Chile they are pollinated by hummingbirds, which explains their shape and colour.

It withstands down to around -8 to -10 °C with good mulching and well-drained soil, and regrows from the base. In the Jura, provide a thick mulch and a sheltered position, or grow it in a large pot brought in for cold overwintering.

These seeds are sold as ornamental and botanical collector's seeds. They are not intended for any consumption or preparation. We provide no dosage, no preparation method and no expected effect.

Why not cover the seeds?
Because they germinate in light, like those of all lobelias. A buried sowing fails.

How does it differ from inflated lobelia?
Inflated lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a modest North American annual with small pale blue flowers and swollen capsules. Lobelia tupa is a two-metre Chilean perennial with red flowers. They have nothing in common except the genus and the toxicity.

Does it flower in the first year?
Rarely. Expect the first spikes in the second year, and a clump at full size in the third.

Does it survive winter in the ground?
In regions with mild winters, yes. In a continental climate, mulch thickly and choose a well-drained, sheltered spot, or grow it in a pot.

Also worth exploring: inflated lobelia and our full range of seeds from around the world.