Lupine Planting Guide
Majestic perennial with tall spikes of pea-like flowers in a spectrum of colors
Best Time and Place to Plant Lupine
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Lupine in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 75F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 18 inches apart, 24 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 55F to 75F
- Sunlight: 5+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; drought tolerant once established; excellent drainage essential
- Days to harvest: 80
Fertilization
- Low-nitrogen 5-10-10 synthetic: Once in spring; lupines fix nitrogen
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil
Companion Plants
- Black-Eyed Susan
- Coneflower
- Ornamental Grasses
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Harvest Signs
- Flower spikes are 1/3 to 1/2 open from the base
- Deadhead immediately after blooming to encourage rebloom
- Cut stalks to ground after bloom for possible second flush
- Allow some seed pods to develop for self-sowing
FAQs
When should I plant Lupine?
Lupine planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Lupine?
The best time of year to plant Lupine is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 55F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Lupine?
Plant Lupine in a spot with 5+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 75F, and enough room for 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Lupine?
Plant Lupine about 18 inches apart, with rows around 24 inches apart.
What grows well with Lupine?
Lupine is commonly paired with Black-Eyed Susan, Coneflower, Ornamental Grasses.