My Castle – Lupine Seed

New! Hardy, long-lived, and easy to maintain perennial.
Part of the Russell Hybrids ‘Band of Nobles’ Series. My Castle has sweetly scented, rich red blooms that are a standout in bouquets and garden beds. Plants are especially productive for us and produce multiple blooms with stiff, straight stems. In our trials, these first-year flowering plants bloomed in early July in the first year and about a month earlier (early June) from well-established plants in the second season of growing. Bloom quality and productivity were better in the second season, although all plants did produce flowers in the first season. Performs best where summers are cool. Attracts and provides a food source for bees and hummingbirds. 1–2′ blooms/spikes are densely covered with ½” pea-like flowers. Lupine is typically resistant to deer and rabbits. Perennial in Zones 4–8.

Specs:

• Plant Height: 24–40″
• Packet: 100 seeds
• Avg. 1,200 seeds/oz

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 14-21 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C). Soak seed overnight or scarify to promote germination.
SOWING: Transplant: Sow 4-8 weeks before planting out. Sow 2-3 seeds directly into cell packs (nothing smaller than a 32 tray) or individual containers. Cover seed, as darkness aids germination. Thin to one plant per cell or container when the first true leaves appear. Harden off and transplant outside in early spring. Roots of lupines are fragile and once restricted will produce inferior plants and flowers. When plants are ready to transplant, do not delay planting. Established plants do not transplant well, so it is best to plant where they will be left undisturbed.
Direct seed: Sow seeds in early spring, as soon as soil can be worked. Sow 1/4″ deep. Thin when true leaves appear.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun/Part Shade.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Average, slightly acidic soil.
PLANT SPACING: 18-24″.
HARDINESS ZONES: Zones 4-8.
HARVEST: Fresh: Harvest when 80% of blooms on spike are open.
USES: Cut flower. Borders, masses, cottage gardens, or wildflower meadows.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Lupinus spp.