How To Grow Lupine From Seeds
Russells Wildflower (Lupinus polyphyllus) is a perennial flower. Its array of vivid colors will add a vibrancy to any outdoor space.
Lupinus polyphyllus helps to support other plants growing in the same area, improving the overall quality of the soil.
What are Lupine Seeds?
Lupine seeds are the small, oval-shaped seeds of the Lupinus plant - Russells Wildflower (Lupinus polyphyllus) Seeds. Lupines are flowering plants that belong to the legume family, Fabaceae. They are known for their vibrant and showy flowers, which come in a variety of colors including purple, pink, yellow, and white.
Why Grow Lupine From Seeds?
Growing lupine from seeds is a cost-effective and rewarding way to add these beautiful flowers to your garden. By starting from seeds, you have more control over the growing process and can ensure that your lupines are healthy and strong. Russell Lupine grown from seed will bloom in their first year.
Treating lupine seeds increases the rate of germination and speeds up the process. Place the seeds on a layer of moist paper towels in a plastic bag, and store the bag in a cold place (refrigerator) for a week or longer. When a shorter treatment process is required, remove a tiny chip from the seed coat and soak it in warm water for up to 24 hours. Treated seeds should be planted outside during the growing season, ideally between early spring and late summer.
The simplest way to plant lupines is to sow untreated seeds directly into the ground. Lupine seeds that are not treated can be planted directly in the garden from September to November to take advantage of the cold winter weather.
Germination for lupine seeds planted this way can take up to two years.
Actual germination time depends on moisture availability and the ground temperature; a cool, late spring may result in late growth. Because lupines need at least some exposure to cool temperatures to develop their roots, spring planting may delay growth for up to a year.
Guide: How to Grow Lupine From Seeds
Starting lupines indoors increases their rate of survival and allows you to germinate them at a time that is convenient for you.
Nick each seed with a razor before refrigerating the seeds for a week or longer, and then plant them in moist, lime-free potting mix.
Keep the soil moist, and place the pots in a location that receives at least eight to 10 hours of direct sun each day. If sunlight is unavailable, supplement with an artificial full spectrum, or “grow,” light.
Lay the seeds on top of the soil, spacing the seeds 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil and sprinkle water over the planting area. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination process. It takes 15 to 75 days for lupine sprouts to appear when the soil is 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors or to very tall pots when they reach 2 to 3 inches in height, because older plants cannot be reliably moved.
Lupines can only be transplanted successfully when they are very young due to their long, fragile taproots.
Specimens grown in peat pots survive better than those removed from traditional clay or plastic pots, because the root receives less handling. To transplant lupines outside, place them outdoors for a week during the spring months to accustom them to your local climate.
Dig a hole 1 1/2 times deeper than the height of the pot and place the seedling so that the crownlike structure from which the leaves grow remains above ground.
OUTDOOR PLANTING
Follow these steps to successfully grow lupine from seeds:
1. Choose the Right Time
Start sowing lupine seeds in early spring or late fall. Lupines prefer cool temperatures and can tolerate light frost.
2. Prepare the Soil
Choose a well-draining location with full sun or partial shade. Lupines prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil. Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and loosening it with a garden fork.
3. Soak the Seeds
Place the lupine seeds in a bowl of water and let them soak overnight. This will help soften the seed coat and improve germination.
4. Sow the Seeds
After soaking, sow the seeds directly into the prepared soil. Plant them about 1 inch deep and space them 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and gently pat it down.
5. Water and Mulch
Water the newly planted seeds thoroughly and apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants. This will help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
6. Provide Care and Maintenance
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Remove any weeds that may compete with the lupines for nutrients.
7. Support the Plants
As the lupine plants grow, they may require support. Use stakes or a trellis to prevent them from falling over or bending under their own weight.
8. Enjoy the Blooms
After a few months, your lupine plants will start to bloom. Enjoy the vibrant colors and the beauty they bring to your garden.
Conclusion
Growing lupine from seeds is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the beauty of these vibrant flowers. By following our guide outlined above, you can successfully grow lupine plants in your garden and create a stunning display of color.
