Russell Mix, Lupine Seeds

Russell Mix Lupine Seed

Tall spikes mix yellow, red, blue, and purple
Midsummer flowers bring architecture to mixed borders
Strong vertical form also suits cutting
Lean soil encourages balanced growth over excess foliage

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Lupinus polyphyllus

Days to maturity

365 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

25 Seeds

Zones 4–8 Check your growing zone

About Russell Mix, Lupine Seed, Lupine Seed

The Russel Lupine flower is easy to grow and bears beautiful, tall spikes of graceful flowers that blossom in a wide range of colors. This variety produces a mix of yellows, reds, blues and purples midsummer. Russel is outstanding in mixed beds, when massed by themselves or for backgrounds. This flower is also gorgeous in cut-flower arrangements!

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

7–21 days

Germination Type

N - Nick Seed Coat

In-row plant spacing

12-14"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 4-8

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Clumping, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

1,425

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Lupine, select a full-sun location with loose, well-drained soil and avoid heavy nitrogen applications. Incorporate compost only if the soil is poor, and use a soil test to correct pH, phosphorus, or potassium. Inoculate lupine seed with the appropriate legume inoculant where compatible legumes have not recently grown, and install supports before planting climbing types.

Planting

Direct sow scarified or soaked lupine seed in early spring or fall, or start in deep cells to protect the taproot. Space plants 12–18 inches apart.

Watering

Once established, lupine prefers deep, infrequent watering. Let the surface dry between irrigations, supply extra moisture during extended heat, and avoid keeping the crown continuously wet.

Fertilizer

Fertilize lupine according to soil-test results, usually without added nitrogen. Excess nitrogen reduces nodulation and favors excessive foliage, while phosphorus or potassium may be needed on deficient soils.

Harvesting

Lupine flowers are ready when stems are firm and blooms show mature color without fading. Cut during cool, dry conditions; for seed, leave selected heads until brown and dry.

Tips

Stake tall lupines where wind is strong and remove spent spikes to limit unwanted seedlings. Seeds and other plant parts may be toxic if ingested; keep them away from children, pets, and livestock.

Pests & Diseases

Anthracnose, brown spot, powdery mildew, and Pythium root rot are important lupine diseases. Anthracnose bends stems into a characteristic crook and may be seedborne. Purchase clean seed, remove affected plants, rotate legumes, and avoid overhead watering. Perennial crowns require excellent drainage through winter.

Lupine may attract sap-feeding aphids and leafhoppers, chewing beetles, weevils, and cutworms. Scout new growth and pods, use physical removal, and preserve lady beetles and other beneficial insects.