Lobelia inflata Seeds | Indian Tobacco
LATIN NAME: Lobelia inflata
COMMON NAME: Indian Tobacco
Plant Profile
Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata) grows as an annual in the bellflower family, native to tobacco. Inflated capsules give plant its name, and stems branch into airy form. It likes sun or part shade, and moist, well-drained soil. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Indian tobacco earned its name from its piperidine alkaloid lobeline, which binds nicotinic receptors with nicotine-like but weaker and partly antagonist activity — the rationale for its old use as a smoking-cessation aid. Controlled trials found no convincing benefit for that purpose, and the margin between active and toxic dose is narrow: nausea, vomiting, tremor and, at high doses, dangerous depression of respiration and circulation. The FDA removed lobelia from the OTC smoking-deterrent market in 1993 for lack of efficacy. It survives as a handsome garden lobelia, which is where its value lies today.
Lobelia inflata sits in the bellflower family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. In bellflower family, lobelias have a long, useful record in studies of medicinal herbs, and inflata species appears in research on leaf chemistry and bladder-like capsules that puff out the seeds. In the laboratory and trial ground alike, it serves as workable material for propagation research and line selection.
Uses & Benefits
Indian Tobacco works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In moist, sunny garden, the Indian tobacco puffs tiny seeds from summer capsules. Two-lipped flowers feed bees, leaves have served traditional preparations for generations, and plant seeds itself readily into moist corners. It grows well in moist, well-drained ground. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Lobelia contains lobeline, a nicotine-like alkaloid that made Indian tobacco a famous old anti-smoking and expectorant herb; the margin of safety is narrow, so it is a professional herb only, while the garden lobelias are superb for bees.
Growing from Seed
Starting Indian Tobacco from seed is simple and satisfying. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in partial shade. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Indian Tobacco repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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