Blue Lupine Seeds

Blue Lupine seeds need prior scarification, as they have a hard outer coat, and without breaking it down first, water cannot penetrate. For that, put perennial Blue Lupine seeds into warm water for 24-hour before planting. Sow directly outdoors in early spring or fall, about ¼ inch deep. It is not recommended, but you can start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. For that use biodegradable pots, since Lupines taproots don't like being disturbed. Wild Blue Lupine seeds germinate in 14–21 days at soil temperatures between 55–65°F (13–18°C).

Blue Lupine requires at least 6 hours of full sun per day. It grows naturally in sandy, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) and will struggle or rot in heavy clay. Once the taproot is established, Lupine plants can survive dry spells well and don’t need frequent watering. Don’t add the nitrogen fertilizer at all, since Blue Lupine is a legume and produces its own nitrogen. 

After the first bloom cycle, cut spent Lupine flower spikes back to encourage a second flush. Aphids sometimes cluster on new spring growth, but a hard spray of water is usually enough to deal with them. Divide Blue Lupine older clumps every 3–4 years; the crowns get woody over time and bloom less freely if not divided. In zones 3–5, add a light mulch layer over winter to protect the crown from freezes.