| Common Name | Lupin or Lupine (both are correct) |
| Genus | Lupinus |
| Species | Lupinus polyphyllus |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Life Cycle | Short-lived perennial (2–5 years), often treated as an annual or biennial in warmer climates. |
| Format | 32-cell plug tray |
| Plug Care | Transplant plugs promptly once they arrive. Lupins have deep taproots and dislike being rootbound, so do not delay planting. Firm the plug in place, water deeply post-transplant, and maintain consistent soil moisture until well established. |
| Netting / Staking | Generally not needed - upright habit is self-supporting unless in very windy environments. |
| Temperature Range | Hardy in USDA zones 4-8; prefers cool-summer climates. Perform best in temperate areas with long, cool springs; may be short-lived or treated as annuals in hotter regions. |
| Spacing | Space plugs 18-24″ apart for Russell mixes; this allows for adequate airflow and accommodates the mature size. |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil is ideal. Slightly acidic pH is ideal, but not absolutely necessary - lupins are fairly tolerant of poor soils but will not reach their full potential. Avoid waterlogging - well draining soil is essential for winter survivability and to avoid root rot. |
| Day Length | long-day plants (requiring long days to initiate flowering). Full sun to partial shade; ensure at least 6 hours of sun daily for best results. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Transplant in the spring, around the time of last frost, or in early autumn - allow enough time to establish before the cold winter temperatures arrive. |
| Harvesting | Harvest when 50% of florets on the spire are open, typically during early morning for optimal water uptake. Expect vase life of ~7 days, depending on cultivar and conditioning. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into buckets of deep, cool water after harvest - do not leave out of water for any period of time. Hydrating cut lupins can be challenging. Use commercial holding solutions and store in the cooler to maximize vase life. Avoid exposure to ethylene, which causes bud drop; include anti-ethylene treatments if necessary. Some old-school florists use the trick of filling the hollow stems with water and stuffing a cotton ball into the end as a plug. |
| Diseases / Insects | Generally pest-resistant. In greenhouse conditions, watch for thrips, spider mites, leaf miners, root and crown rot. Field-grown plants can be susceptible to powdery mildew and lupin aphids. Well draining soil is essential to avoid root problems. |
| Bailey's Notes | Russell lupins boast dramatic, densely packed flower spikes ideal for seasonal bouquets and arrangements. Once mature, their taproots help them access moisture, but they benefit from even irrigation during heat waves. Lupins' vibrant color range and pollinator-attracting nature make them a valuable addition to sustainable cut-flower production. In many areas these will self-sow and can naturalize in the landscape readily. If this is undesirable, simply deadhead the spent stems before they set seed. |
| Resources | NA |