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How to Grow Lupine

Annuals and Perennials, Lupinus

Lupine plants are an old-fashioned flower, with annual and perennial varieties. A member of the pea family, Lupines are native to North America and Europe. Good looking, easy to grow plants have hand-print shaped leaves. Established plants will grow well for years. The most popular home garden varieties grow 3' - 4' tall. Larger shrub and tree varieties benefit by a regular pruning

Lupine plants produce attractive, sweet, pea-like blooms on large showy spikes. Flowers bloom from mid spring to mid summer. Colors include white, red, pink, blue, yellow, lilac, violet, and apricot.

Lupine flowers are great in flower vases alone or in arrangements.

Important Note: Some Lupines are poisonous, while others are edible. Unless you are certain the variety you have selected is safe, keep Lupines away from children and pets.

Plan Propagation:

Grow Lupine plants from seed. Sow Lupine seeds directly into your flower garden after all danger of frost. Or, broadcast seeds in an open field or meadow to grow as wildflowers.

In the flower garden, sow seed and cover lightly with 1/8" of garden soil.  Space plants 12" - 14" apart.

Perennial Lupines can be propagated by cuttings or division. Make cuttings in late summer as the weather begins to cool. Plant division can be done in early fall.

How to Grow Lupine Plants:

Lupine grow best in full sun to partial shade. The plant is a fast grower. Lupine plants grow well in average, slightly acidic soils. In average soil, add compost prior to planting. The soil should be loose. They prefer cool weather.  

Keep the soil moist to feed their quick growth. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Adding a general purpose fertilizer once a month before blooming will result in bigger plants and blooms.

Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the blooming period.

Insect and Disease:

Slugs can be a problem. Use slug pellets as needed.

Insects and disease problems are  infrequent. Apply insecticides and fungicides as needed..

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