How to Grow & Care for a Lupine Plant
Often seen growing wild throughout many parts of the United States, Lupine is also seen in shades of purple, pink, white, yellow and deep blue in many gardens. Its spiky flower head and horizontal foliage can make a dramatic statement when planted amidst other flowers. Lupines prefer cooler climates, and they are recommended for planting in the USA Hardiness Zones 4 to 6, which include the New England, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley states, as well as various central and southern Plains states. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Planting site that receives full sun to light shade throughout the day
- Roto-tiller
- Lupine seed
- Garden rake
- General purpose fertilizer
- Water hose
- Sprinkler or hose attachment
Instructions
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Choose a planting site that will receive full sun to light shade throughout the day. For plants that prefer full sun, approximately 6 hours is needed.
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Use a roto-tiller to loosen the soil, in the desired planting area, to a depth of 12 to 20 inches to accommodate the long taproots of the lupine.
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3
Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours prior to planting to assist with germination, if planting in the spring or summer, up until August 1. For planting in September to November, seeds will not need to be treated.
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Sow the ground with a garden rake, and add general purpose fertilizer to the soil, such as 10-10-10, as recommended by the product instructions. Place the seeds in the ground, 12 to 14 inches apart. Press the seeds gently into the soil, and cover with approximately 1/8 inch of soil.
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Water the ground lightly with a sprinkler set on low, or with the fine spray from an hose attachment sprayer. Continue watering, as needed, to keep the soil moist. In dry conditions, water a minimum of 1 to 2 times per week.
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Continue adding general purpose fertilizer to the soil, according to product instructions, once per month to promote healthy growth and blooming. Pinch off dead flowers to encourage the flowers to continue to bloom throughout the season.
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Tips & Warnings
For insect or fungus problems, apply an insecticide or fungicide to the plants as recommended by the product instructions.
Grow Lupine plants from seed. Don't try to transplant them, as the survival rate is low.
