Lupine (Lupinus Polyphyllus) - For a reliable, colorful performance, start Lupine seeds and enjoy! For years, gardeners have been growing Russell Lupine for a great source of vibrant late-spring to early summer color. The Lupine plants are vigorous with a spread of 12 - 16 inches wide, creating a bushy mat of bright green foliage beneath the bloom spikes. The Lupinus Russell Mix includes shades of reds, pinks, blues, yellows, and whites in both solids and bi-colors. Lupine flowers will attract attention from butterflies, hummingbirds and your neighbors! Lupine plants prefer cooler climates. Where weather is hotter, provide some afternoon shade. Russell Lupine care is simply deadheading the faded flower spikes. Lupine flowers will self-sow if not trimmed back.
Before sowing Lupine seeds, soak the flower seed in warm water for 24 hours. The soaking will aid in germination. You can sow the Russell Lupine seeds indoors, 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use starter trays and peaty soil, sowing the Lupine flower seeds on top and lightly covering. Keep seed moist until germination. Transplant the Lupine seedlings when they have reach 4 inches in height and frost danger has passed. Lupine flower seed can also be sown outdoors after danger of frost. In prepared soil, sow 3 - 4 seeds together, spacing them 18 - 24 inches apart. Cover lightly and keep seed moist. Thin to strongest plant when they reach 2 inches. For the first season, water Lupines well after planting and maintain 1 inch of water, once per week. Following this water routine the first year will ensure deep root establishment. The following years, as the Lupine matures, they will acclimate and use what water is provided by the environment and should only need irrigation during periods of prolonged heat and drought.
Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
Height: 36 - 48 inches
Bloom Season: Spring through summer
Bloom Color: Mix
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.6 - 7.5
Deer Resistant: Yes
Planting Directions
Temperature: 68F
Average Germ Time: 7 - 14 days
Light Required: Yes- Press in Soil, But do Not Cover.
Depth: Seeds must be covered thinly
Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant or 14 ounces per 1,000 square feet or 37 pounds per acre
Moisture: Keep seed moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 18 - 24 inches
