Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: How can I get my Lupins to live year after year? Do I collect their seeds?
I made a mistake with my Lupins as I put the seeds into a put and they're about 4 inches tall now. I was told they hate being moved but I'm worried if I plant them in the ground, they'd die. What do I do??
I live in London. It's just under 70F or 18C daytime here.

ANSWER: Kumari,
Don't worry about planting the Lupins in the ground - because they have a tap root they don't move well, hence their reputation, but when they are as small as yours you can transplant or plant them without a problem.

Lupins like a "meaty soil" - good loam or clay are fine, but if you have sand you should amend well with compost.  They are short lived plants - they usually grow and bloom well for about four or five years....about the time they are biggest and most beautiful, they die.  The good news is, however, that they self seed where they are happy.  So don't deadhead and let the seeds fall in the area.  You could also start a few every year in small pots and plant them in the area to be sure you always have them.  Like foxgloves, this plant is worth starting from seed every year so that it's always in the garden.

I think that starting plant from seed is one of the most life-affirming things we can do, so starting Lupins every year is a joy!

All the best,
C.L.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey C.L.
Thanks! I think I'll be planting some every season! They're absolutely gorgeous.
I have clay-ish soil. Should I mix it up with some compost so there's good drainage?
Also, I'm so excited! Where do you reckon I'll see flowers?

Answer
You don't have to mix in compost - these plants do very well in clay.  Where I used to live in Western Massachusetts there was a field of lupins that self sowed and bloomed well every year and these were growing in pure clay!

Glad you are enjoying your plants and garden.
C.L.