planting russell lupine seeds Russell Mix Lupine Seeds - For 2026 Planting Lupinus Rainbow Lupin

planting russell lupine seeds Russell Mix Lupine Seeds - For 2026 Planting Lupinus Rainbow LupinRussell's Hybrid Mix Lupine features magnificent tall spires in shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, and in bicolors. George Russell first introduced this mix in 1937 to the London public, delighting many for its striking vertical presence, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm), and diversity of color. Its stunning flowers not only adds drama and elegance to any setting but are highly attractive to bees especially, as well as

Russell's Hybrid Mix Lupine features magnificent tall spires in shades of purple, pink, blue, white, yellow, and in bicolors. George Russell first introduced this mix in 1937 to the London public, delighting many for its striking vertical presence, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm), and diversity of color. Its stunning flowers not only adds drama and elegance to any setting but are highly attractive to bees especially, as well as pollinators and onlookers alike! Lupine is also cold-hardy and frost-tolerant down to -30F! Enjoy their long-season blooms that last from mid-Spring to mid-Summer, whether planted in mass groupings, mixed borders, or as standalone features. As a perennial plant, with proper care, Russell's Mix Lupine will return year after year, gracing your garden with its captivating blooms.

Also Known As: Lupinus polyphyllus 'Russell', Russell Lupin, Garden Lupin, Garden Lupine, Bigleaf lupine, Large Leaf Lupine, Washington Lupine, Marsh Lupine, Bluebonnet, Perennial Lupine, Wild Lupine, Rainbow Lupine, Bicolored Lupine, Tall Lupine, Russell Hybrid Lupine, Rainbow Lupins, Lupin Tutti Fruitti, Band of Nobles, Chandelier, My Castle, Noble Maiden, The Chatelaine, The Governor.

Plant Name:	Lupine, Russell Mix
Latin Name:	Lupinus polyphyllus
Days to Germinate:	14-30
Days to Bloom:	720
Plant Height:	2 - 4 Feet
Spread:	18 - 24 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	1/2 Inch Clusters
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-8
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

For best germination, scarify seeds by shaking with course sand.

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify Russell Mix Lupine seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Russell Mix Lupine after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds.

To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 12-18 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Russell Mix Lupine is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Throughout the growing season, water regularly, especially during dry spells. As the plant grows tall, you may want to stake it to prevent it from falling over, especially if you're expecting heavy rains or winds.After the growing season, remove dead or damaged stems, and mulch around the base to protect the roots during winter, especially in colder climates.