Lupine: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
When and how do you sow lupins outdoors?
Check the type of lupin before sowing: the genus includes annuals, perennials and shrubs. Spring suits many border lupins, but autumn sowing is not appropriate everywhere or for every species. Follow the seed lot's guidance on timing and the cold tolerance of young plants.
Choose a bright position with well-drained soil, remove weeds and prepare a crumbly surface. You can sow directly where plants will grow or into individual pots outdoors, provided you can monitor moisture. Seeds have a hard coat; soaking or light scarification may be useful for a particular lot. Follow its instructions rather than combining unnecessary treatments. Sow at the recommended depth, then cover and water gently.
Keep the soil moist during germination without soaking it. Thin to suit mature width: compact forms and large lupins need different amounts of space. Avoid repeated lifting because young roots dislike disturbance. Watch for slugs and snails and remove any you find on the seedlings. Label the seeds as ornamental; they are not equivalent to edible lupin products ready for consumption. Keep the species label with the plants so their different needs remain clear as they develop.
When do lupins flower and how do you care for them in bloom?
