📌Quantity: 30 Seeds/ 1 pack
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Pre-Treatment (Scarification & Stratification)
Lupine seeds have a hard outer shell and benefit from scarification and cold stratification to break dormancy and improve germination.
Scarification:
Lightly scratch the seed coat with sandpaper or a nail file, or nick it with a knife to help water penetrate.
Alternatively, soak the seeds in warm water (not boiling) for 12-24 hours before planting.
Cold Stratification (Optional but Recommended for Spring Planting)
If sowing in spring, stratify seeds by placing them in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.
Skip this step for fall planting, as nature provides natural stratification.
2. Choosing the Right Planting Time
Fall Planting: Direct sow outdoors in late fall before the ground freezes.
Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outside after the danger of frost has passed.
3. Sowing the Seeds
Indoors: Use seed trays or small pots with well-draining seed-starting mix. Sow seeds ¼ inch (6mm) deep, lightly covering them with soil.
Outdoors: Choose a full-sun location with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Direct sow ¼ inch deep, spacing seeds 12-18 inches apart.
4. Germination
Maintain 65-75°F (18-24°C) for best germination.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.
5. Transplanting (For Indoor Starts)
After seedlings develop two sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
Harden off before planting outdoors by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
6. Care & Maintenance
Sunlight:
Full sun (6-8 hours daily).
Soil:
Well-draining, loamy soil.
Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8-7.0).
Watering:
Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Once established, lupines are somewhat drought-tolerant.
Fertilization:
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as lupines fix their own nitrogen.
Use a balanced or phosphorus-rich fertilizer if needed.
Mulching:
Apply light mulch around young plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Support:
Tall varieties may need staking in windy areas.
7. Blooming & Deadheading
First blooms appear in late spring to early summer.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Allow some flowers to go to seed for reseeding or collection.
8. Overwintering
In cold climates, cut back foliage after frost and mulch lightly for protection.
Lupines are perennials and will regrow in spring.
