How to Grow Lupins

Perennial. The pea-like flowers of lupins grow in dense spires from their destinctive foliage. They will bloom 2 months from a spring sowing or early summer from fall sown plants.

Latin
Lupinus polyphyllus.
Family: Fabaceae.

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone: 1-9

Timing
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, around mid to late February on the coast. If starting indoors, use peat or coir pots to limit root disturbance. Lupins work equally well direct sown in early spring (mid-March on the coast) when some risk of frost is still possible. Can be direct sown in autumn where winters are mild.

Starting
If starting indoors, stratify seeds by chipping or soaking in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. Sow shallowly a couple of millimeters (1/8″) deep, and maintain a coolish soil temperature of 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds should germinate in 14-60 days. Be patient.

Growing
After flowering, cut down the stems to the base of the plant. You can divide these big plants in early Spring to propagate certain colours. Self-sown plants will revert to pale blue.