Stratification for Lobelia Cardinalies or heat mat?

Although I have checked several websites, I have confusing, conflicting information regarding the cardinal flower. This is my first time starting them, so I don't have any real insight into the best way to do this. At the present time, I have sown my seeds, and put them outside, because I read somewhere they need stratification. They are against the house, out of the direct wind, but not in a coldframe or greenhouse. They aren't covered.

A couple of places that Iooked at actually mentioned heat, which surprised me.

I'm not sure if I should allow them to remain outside for several weeks, and then perhaps move them inside to my unheated garage, but it wouldn't provide them with a lot of light compared to outside. I could also put them in my planting room, which is cool, (and not on a heat mat), so that they have a lot of light. Should I wait until I begin to see some growth or do they need to come inside earlier?

I would appreciate any input from someone who has successfully started these seeds.

I agree with you that every web site seems to offer differing advise. I started some cardinal flowers for the first time last year (wild collected seed, not cultivars). Initially, I started some by just sprinkling seed on top of moist media in a small pot then misting and covering with plastic - placed under lights between 62-68 degrees(ambient room temp). A day or two later, I read on a website about the need to stratify, so I started some more and put them in the fridge. Before it was even time to remove the second batch from the fridge, the first batch had started to germinate. So I ended the stratifying treatment immediately.

Bottom line, I didn't need any stratification and germination started at 10 days after sowing. Most germination occured by 20 days. I had large enough plants to transfer to individual pots 4 weeks after first emergence.

I would suggest moving your planting inside, covering with plastic and putting them under lights. You shouldn't need any heat unless your planting room is under 60 degrees.

Any others care to share comments on your experience?????????????

I would like to hear about both success and failure.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Since I have two six packs that I have sown, I may bring one inside when I get one, and leave one out anyway. Today' s temperature is only going to be in the mid twenties, although it is supposed to be back up around fifty on the weekend.

I also found an annual cardinal flower at Swallowtail. I'm going to order some of the Queen Victoria to go with the seeds that I have already started. Just in case.

http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/lobeliaper.html

The seed arrived today from Swallowtail. They recommend starting cadinal flower with a temp of about 70 which means a heatmat for me. Germination is supposed to be 4 - 6 weeks. Fingers crossed.