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flowerPerennial

Lupine

Lupinus polyphyllus

Also known as: bluebonnet, lupin

Tall spiky perennial with palmate leaves. Fixes nitrogen in soil. Prefers cool summers. Dramatic spring-to-early-summer bloom.

Lupine

Growing Requirements

SunFull Sun
WaterMedium
Soil Type
Soil Drainage
Soil pH
Plant Spacing18–24″
Row Spacing24–36″
Planting Depth0.25–0.5″
Height36–48″
Spread18–24″
✗ Not Container Friendly✓ Raised Bed Friendly

Planting Schedule

Start Indoors

6–8 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow (Spring)

2–4 weeks before last frost

Transplant Outdoors

0–9 weeks after last frost

Germination

14–28 days

Days to Harvest

120–365 days

Zone Suitability

USDA Hardiness Zones

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Zones 37

Can overwinter in appropriate zones

Perennial in zones 37

Nick or soak seeds before planting. Has taproot — does not transplant well. Struggles in hot humid climates. Short-lived perennial.

Companion Plants

No companion data available for this plant yet.