Learning Download: How to Grow Lupine

Lupine is a spiky, vibrant flower reaching up to 4 feet in height. Lupines can be both annual and perennials. Lupines are frequently seen growing wild throughout the United States, where they serve as a host plant for larvae of endangered butterflies.

Before Planting: Scratch the surface of the seed or soak it overnight in lukewarm water to soften the seed coat. Seeds should be chilled for a week prior to planting.

Planting: Sow directly outdoors, dig the soil up as deep as 20 inches and break it up before raking the area smooth. Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and 12 inches apart.

Watering: Water one inch per week early in the morning.

Fertilizer: Fertilize Lupine with a fertilizer that is hight in phosphorous, as it encourages the plant to produce more blooms.

Days to Maturity: Lupines will bloom beginning in the early spring and continue blooming through July.

Harvesting: Cut the flowers in the morning or early evening. Cut the stem at an angle with a sharp knife and cut longer than you think you need. Place in a vase filled with warm water immediately after cutting.

Tips: Lupines will add nitrogen to the soil, so you might opt to plant shade-loving plants beneath the lupine as a ground cover, where they will benefit from the nitrogen-rich soil.