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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.
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 3–7
Can overwinter in appropriate zones
Perennial in zones 3–7
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.