Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Russell Lupine

Before You Plant

Lupine seeds have a hard outer coat. For best germination, nick each seed with a nail file or sandpaper, or soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. This helps speed up germination.

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Russell Lupine is a hardy perennial that returns year after year. It has a deep taproot and dislikes transplanting, so direct sowing where you want the plants to grow is recommended.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors in early spring after the last frost, or in late summer to early fall for blooms the following year. Plants typically bloom from late spring through early summer in their second year.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose a sunny location, or light afternoon shade in hot regions. Lupine prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Well-drained soil is important because lupine does not like soggy conditions.
• 4. Sow the Seeds
  After prepping the seeds, sow them 12 to 18 inches apart and cover with about 1/4 inch of soil. 1 oz covers up to 80 sq ft.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Press soil gently over the seeds for firm contact. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall. Germination usually takes 15 to 20 days.
• 6. Water the Area
  Water regularly during the first season to help plants establish. Once established, lupine is fairly drought-tolerant but blooms best with moderate watering.
• 7. Grow On
  Lupine usually grows foliage in the first year and blooms in the second year. Plants can grow up to 36 inches tall. Mulch around plants to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Starting indoors is possible, but direct sowing is preferred because lupine has a deep taproot and resents transplanting.

• 1. Prep the Seeds
  Nick each seed with a nail file or sandpaper, or soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
• 2. Use Deep Pots
  Start seeds in deep pots to give the taproot room to grow. Biodegradable pots are helpful because they reduce root disturbance during transplanting.
• 3. Sow the Seeds
  Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in a fine seed-starting mix and press soil gently over the seeds.
• 4. Keep Moist
  Keep the growing medium consistently moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 15 to 20 days.
• 5. Transplant Carefully
  Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors. Transplant carefully after frost danger has passed, keeping root disturbance to a minimum.

Growing Tips

• Russell Lupine is a hardy perennial that returns year after year.
• Nick or soak seeds before planting for faster, more reliable germination.
• Direct sowing is recommended - lupine has a deep taproot and dislikes transplanting.
• Choose full sun, or light afternoon shade in hot regions.
• Use well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil.
• Sow seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and cover with about 1/4 inch of soil.
• Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall.
• Germination usually takes 15 to 20 days.
• 1 oz covers up to 80 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 36 inches tall.
• Lupine usually grows foliage in year one and blooms in year two - please be patient.
• Water regularly during the first season to help plants establish.
• Mulch around plants to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
• Deadhead spent flower spikes to help extend the blooming season.