Lupine

Grow perennial lupines in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Avoid heavy nitrogen feeding and disturbance of the taproot; plants often perform poorly in hot, humid summers.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

1 in/week

Spacing

14 in

First harvest

Perennial; blooms year 1-2

Tips

• Lightly scarify seeds, soak overnight, and sow about 1/4 inch deep, thinning to 14 inches apart.
• Provide about 1 inch of water weekly during active growth while allowing excess water to drain.
• Use a light compost dressing rather than high-nitrogen fertilizer.
• Inspect flower stems for aphids and wash off small colonies with water.
• Remove faded spikes before seedpods develop to encourage additional bloom.