Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zones: USDA 3–8
Height: 2–4 ft (60–120 cm)
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Seed Treatment
- Scarification:
- Lightly nick the seed coat with a nail file or knife.
- Or soak seeds in warm (not boiling) water for 12–24 hours.
- Cold Stratification:
- Wrap soaked seeds in a moist paper towel, seal in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 14 days to simulate winter conditions.
- Check weekly: If seedlings sprout in the fridge, remove them gently and plant immediately.
Sowing Instructions
When to Sow:
- Indoors: Start 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
- Outdoors: Sow in early spring or late fall (for natural cold stratification).
How to Sow:
- Sow seeds 1/4–1/2 inch (0.6–1.2 cm) deep in well-draining soil.
- Space plants 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
Temperature:
- Ideal soil temperature: 60–70°F (15–21°C).
Germination Time:
- Germination usually takes 14–30 days, but may take up to 42 days.
- Be patient—germination may be uneven.
Care Tips
- Watering: Moderate; water regularly until established.
- Fertilizer: Generally not needed—lupines enrich the soil with nitrogen.
- Staking: May be helpful in windy or exposed locations.
- Deadheading: Encourages prolonged blooming and reduces self-seeding.
- Transplanting: Lupines dislike root disturbance; sow directly when possible.