Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Russell Lupine is a gorgeous wildflower that can be used to help restore degraded habitats such as meadows and wetlands. Native to North America, this perennial wildflower helps to improve soil fertility due to its nitrogen-fixing abilities. Nitrogen-fixers such as Russell Lupine have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by other plants, making it a great to plant next to nitrogen hungry plants. The stunning pink and purple flowers are a favorite among pollinators such as bees and butterflies but make beautiful cut flowers for arrangements and décor as well. These plants take about two to three years to reach full maturity and in the first year of growth generally do not produce flowers and mainly grow their root systems and foliage. Once full maturity is reached, Russell Lupine is a hardy and long-lived perennial that will continue to bloom for many years after, making it worth the wait.
NAME: Lupine (Lupinus)
VARIETY: Russell
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
STRATIFICATION: Scarification recommended
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 4 – 10
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Well-draining, loose soils with a pH 6.0 – 7.5
SPACING: 14 – 24 inches
PLANT HEIGHT: 24 – 36 inches
TEMP: 55 – 95ºF
Before sowing outdoors, these seeds need a special kind of stratification called ‘Scarification’.
This is the process of breaking, scratching, or weakening the hard seed coat of some plant species to promote faster and more uniform germination.
Scarification can be achieved through mechanical scarification which can be done by nicking the seed coat with a sharp knife, sandpaper, or using a file.
This process should be done carefully to avoid damaging the embryo inside the seed.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
It is not recommended to start Lupine seeds indoors due to their sensitive root systems and preference for direct sowing. Indoor starting is generally not recommended for Lupines because they develop long taproots and can be sensitive to transplanting.
If you choose to start seeds indoors, begin 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Use seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix.
Sow the scarified seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the trays in a location with plenty of sunlight or under grow lights. Germination typically takes 14-21 days.
Once the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots to continue growing until they are ready to be planted outdoors.
After you’ve scarified your seeds you can direct sow them outdoors once the soil temperatures have heated up to 60ºF.
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced 2 inches apart directly into garden beds.
When seedlings sprout in 15 to 20 days, thin them out so they are spaced 6 inches apart.
Once they grow to be a few inches tall thin out once more so they are spaced 14 to 24 inches apart.
Keep the ground around them consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Locate an area that receives full sun with very loose, well-draining soil.
Russell Lupines have a tough seed coat that can inhibit germination if not scarified.
These plants are fragile when young so be patient and provide protection from severe weather and competing weeds.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming and encourage new flower production.
To harvest Lupine flowers for decorative purposes, wait until the flower spikes are fully open and the majority of the flowers on the spike are in bloom.
Use sharp scissors or garden shears to cut the flower spikes at the desired length, leaving some stem attached.
Place the cut Lupine flowers immediately in a container of lukewarm water to prolong their freshness.
Arrange the Lupine flowers in a vase or floral arrangement, either alone or combined with other flowers and foliage for a stunning display.
Change the water in the vase every few days and trim the stem ends of the Lupine flowers at an angle to help them absorb water and stay fresh longer.
