How to Grow Lupines
- 1). Choose a location for lupines that is away from other plants and allows plenty of room for them to spread. The back or side of a flower garden where they can spread freely is ideal. A hillside covered with lupines will create a dramatic display of color.
- 2). Plant lupines in full sun (six or more hours of direct sun) or in partial shade. Lupines do not require rich soil. In fact, they prefer dry, sandy soil with good drainage. Lupines thrive in poor soil as they are able to create their own nitrogen from the soil.
- 3). Gather seeds from existing plants or purchase them from your local seed supply store or a seed catalog.
- 4). Soak seeds overnight in warm water to speed up germination.
- 5). Broadcast seeds over lightly worked soil in early fall and let them germinate naturally. As a wildflower, lupines normally drop seed and reproduce without the seeds being covered with soil.
- 6). Start seeds in early spring in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill for spring planting. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Plant to a depth of 1/4 inch and set in indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge in 2 to 3 weeks. Transplant into a permanent location after the danger of late spring frost has passed.
- 7). Transplant existing lupines found along ditches or growing wild on hillsides. This is best done in early spring. Be sure to dig deeply so as not to disturb the lupine's long taproot. Replant as soon as possible for best results. Water thoroughly and watch for signs of wilting.
- 8). Root cuttings of new growth on lupines in late spring or early summer. Once the roots have developed and you see signs of new growth, plant in the desired location.
- 9). Water lupines sparingly during the growing season. Unless you experience drought conditions, they do not require additional watering and will thrive on their own.
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