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Want to grow beautiful lupines?
You’re in luck!
Here are 6 easy tactics to help you. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these tips will make your garden pop with color.
Ready to get started?
Let’s grow some lupines!
Choose the Right Spot
First things first, find a sunny spot in your garden. Lupines love soaking up the rays and need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
They also prefer well-drained soil, so avoid any soggy areas. If your soil isn’t well-drained, consider adding some sand or compost to improve it.
Happy lupines come from happy soil!
Planting the Seeds
When it’s time to plant, soak your lupine seeds overnight in water. This helps soften the tough outer shell and speeds up germination.
Plant them about ½ inch deep and 12 inches apart. Don’t worry about burying them too deep; these guys like being closer to the surface.
Water Wisely
Water your lupines regularly, especially during dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater.
Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. Too much water can lead to root rot, and nobody wants that.
Keep the soil just moist enough to keep your lupines happy and thriving.
Mulch and Fertilize
Put a layer of mulch around your lupines to help retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay. Lupines aren’t heavy feeders, but a little compost or a balanced fertilizer in the spring can give them a nice boost.
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers; they can result in lots of leaves but fewer flowers.
Deadheading and Pruning
To keep those blooms coming, make sure to deadhead the spent flowers. Just snip off the faded blooms, and more flowers will take their place.
Once the season is over, cut back the stems to ground level. This will encourage new growth for next year and keep your plants looking neat.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and slugs. A good spray with soapy water can usually take care of aphids.
For slugs, try setting out some beer traps or sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants. A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping your lupines healthy.