Lupine Seeds - Russells Wildflowers

Russells Wildflower (Lupinus polyphyllus) Seeds - Colorful Lupine. These robust, highly attractive flowers are known to be low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and provide striking visual interest wherever they are planted. Russell Lupine Mix grown from seed will bloom in their first year. They make wonderful cut flowers - can be used for borders, masses, cottage gardens, or wildflower meadows. PLANT INFORMATION: Plant Name: Lupine Variety: Lupinus Polyphyllus Russell Mix Family: Fabaceae Life Cycle: PerennialUSDA Zones: 4 - 8Height: 36 - 48 inchesBloom Season: Spring through summerBloom Color: MixLight preferences: Full sun to partial shadeSoil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.6 - 7.5Deer Resistant: Yes PLANTING GUIDE: Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 daysLight Required: YesDepth: Seeds must be covered thinlySowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant Moisture: Keep seed moist until germinationPlant Spacing: 18 - 24 inches TREATED SEED Treating lupine seeds increases the rate of germination and speeds up the process. Place the seeds on a layer of moist paper towels in a plastic bag, and store the bag in a cold place (refrigerator) for a week or longer. When a shorter treatment process is required, remove a tiny chip from the seed coat and soak it in warm water for up to 24 hours. Treated seeds should be planted outside during the growing season, ideally between early spring and late summer. UNTREATED SEEDS The simplest way to plant lupines is to sow untreated seeds directly into the ground. Lupine seeds that are not treated can be planted directly in the garden from September to November to take advantage of the cold winter weather. Germination for lupine seeds planted this way can take up to two years.   Actual germination time depends on moisture availability and the ground temperature; a cool, late spring may result in late growth. Because lupines need at least some exposure to cool temperatures to develop their roots, spring planting may delay growth for up to a year. INDOOR PLANTING Starting lupines indoors increases their rate of survival and allows you to germinate them at a time that is convenient for you. Nick each seed with a razor before refrigerating the seeds for a week or longer, and then plant them in moist, lime-free potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and place the pots in a location that receives at least eight to 10 hours of direct sun each day. If sunlight is unavailable, supplement with an artificial full spectrum, or “grow,” light.  Lay the seeds on top of the soil, spacing the seeds 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil and sprinkle water over the planting area. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination process. It takes 15 to 75 days for lupine sprouts to appear when the soil is 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Transplant the seedlings outdoors or to very tall pots when they reach 2 to 3 inches in height, because older plants cannot be reliably moved. TRANSPLANTING Lupines can only be transplanted successfully when they are very young due to their long, fragile taproots. Specimens grown in peat pots survive better than those removed from traditional clay or plastic pots, because the root receives less handling. To transplant lupines outside, place them outdoors for a week during the spring months to accustom them to your local climate. Dig a hole 1 1/2 times deeper than the height of the pot and place the seedling so that the crownlike structure from which the leaves grow remains above ground.   Package includes: Lupine Seeds (200)   SHIPPING INFORMATION Processing time 2-5 business days. Estimated delivery time 3-9 days (depending on your location).