How to Grow Lupins

For a dramatic statement in your flower bed, try growing lupins. These herbaceous perennials have mounds of bright green leaves and produce compact spikes of flowers that can grow upwards to 42 inches tall. They come in a wide variety of shades ranging from white, cream, pink, a rose-mauve, pale yellow, all shades of blue and all shades of violet, including one so dark it’s nearly black. Suitable for USDA zones 4 to 7.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Soil testing kit
• Sand
• Sulfur or peat moss
• Lupin plants
• High potash fertilizer
• Fungicide
• Pesticide
• Water
• Pruning shears
• Envelope

Instructions

1. Select the site for the lupins. They grow well in full sunlight or semi-shade, but need protection from the wind. The soil does not need to be rich, but do need acidic soil that is well drained. Because lupins bloom early in the season and look unsightly after flowering, place them near the back of the flower bed. Test the soil and add sulfur or peat moss several weeks before planting to adjust its acidity.

2. Plant lupins in the spring. Dig a hole that is larger than the plant’s container. Carefully remove the lupin from the container and gently loosen the roots with your fingers. Place it in the hole, fill the hole with soil and tamp down gently to remove air bubbles. Water to settle the soil. Depending upon the species of lupin, space the plants 15 to 24 inches apart.

3. Water lupins regularly as these plants need the soil to stay moist. They suffer if the soil is allowed to dry out. Apply a light amount of high potash fertilizer as the buds begin to form. Powdery mildew can be a problem, as well as aphids. Control these with a fungicide and pesticide. Lupins can also develop viruses that cause stunting and discoloration. If this happens, destroy the plants; do not add them to the compost pile.

4. Watch for the lupins to bloom beginning in early summer and continuing through mid to summer. Deadhead regularly and remove spent flower stems to avoid seeds setting. This will allow the smaller spikes to develop and keep lupins from spreading out of control. However, if you want to collect the seeds, allow the pods to dry on the plant and then either collect the seeds directly from the plant or after the pods have been cut off. Store the seeds in an envelope in a cool dry place until time to plant.

5. Sow the lupin seeds either in the early fall or early spring. Scarify (nick) the seeds before planting to quicken germination. Plant the seeds ¼ to 1/8 inches deep. Because of the shallow planting depth, water gently so as not to disturb the seeds. Make sure young seedlings have plenty of water to help them establish.

Tips & Warnings

• Lupins make good cut flowers.

• These flowers attract bees, butterflies and birds.

• Bayer Advanced has an all in one rose and flower product that contains pesticide, fungicide and plant food. It is applied once a month by mixing in water and pouring at the base of the plant. Because it is systemic, it will take more than one month to begin fully working and a temporary spray or dust might need to be applied.

• Lupins are poisonous if ingested. Keep away from children and pets.

• Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children and pets.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Bayer Advanced