Russell Hybrids, Lupin Seed

Perennial on our farm (zone 2)
 
Approx. 80 seeds per packet
 
Stunning, brightly-coloured spikes create a strong feature in the early summer garden. On our farm, they continue to bloom until frost when cutting the blooms as cut flowers. Its pea-like flowers grow in dense spires reaching up to 90cm (36") tall. Scatter through cottage or wildflower gardens or mass plant in borders.  This variety offers all the lupine colours in one package - purple, deep blue, red, pink, yellow, cream, and white. If you want more of a certain colour, gently separate the little offset at the base of a mature plant and replant. Soak lupine seeds for 24 hours or nick the seed ends and plant. Lupines fix nitrogen in the soil.
Perennial
 
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. If starting indoors, use peat or coir pots or soil blocks to minimize root disturbance. They do fantastic to germinate in the soil snail type planting method. Lupins work equally well direct sown in early spring when some risk of frost is still possible. They can be direct sown in autumn where winters are mild. The best way to get strong healthy lupins seedlings ready to plant out is using the winter sowing method in clear jugs.
 
Starting
If starting indoors, scarify seeds by chipping, or soak in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. Sow shallowly, a couple of millimeters (1/8″) deep, and maintain a coolish soil temperature of 12-18°C (55-65°F). Seeds should germinate in 14-60 days. Be patient. DO NOT PUT ON HEAT MAT. Do best not to be put under lights during germination to prevent temps from getting too warm.
 
Growing
Space or thin plants to 30-60cm (12-24") apart to allow for natural spread. After flowering, cut down the stems to the base of the plant. Divide these big plants in early Spring to propagate certain colours. Self-sown plants tend to revert to pale blue.