How to Grow Wild Lupine

Seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy. Seeds are hard-coated and naturally experience winter cold in the soil.

Scarify seeds lightly with sandpaper or soak in room-temperature water for 24 hours, then stratify in moist sand/soil in refrigerator for 30 days. Alternatively, sow in fall for natural winter stratification.

Small green cotyledons emerge, followed by the first true leaves with the characteristic palmate (hand-shaped) form.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Do not fertilize heavily.

First-year plants develop a basal rosette of deeply lobed, green palmate leaves. Plants build a strong root system and do not flower during year one.

Water moderately during dry spells. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering.

In late spring (May-June in northern climates), tall flower spikes (1-2 feet) emerge with dense racemes of small, pea-like flowers in blue, purple, pink, or white.

Deadhead spent flowers to potentially encourage additional blooms. Water during dry periods. Support tall spikes in windy locations if needed. Do not disturb roots.

After pollination, legume-like seed pods develop and mature. Seeds drop naturally in summer; plants may go semi-dormant in late summer heat.

Allow some flowers to set seed for self-sowing. Reduce watering as plants enter dormancy. Cut back dead foliage in fall or early spring. Perennial plants may decline in hot, humid summers.