Lupin Tall Russell Mix Seeds

 

A classic cottage-garden lupin mix producing tall spires of densely packed pea like flowers in a broad palette of colours; forms upright, clump forming plants with attractive palmate foliage and strong vertical impact for borders, beds and cut flowers.

 

Hardy, long flowering and excellent for attracting bees and beneficial insects.

 

Seed Qty Approx 75

 

Sow April to June or September to October for spring and early summer display

Germination 14 to 21 days at 15 to 20°C; scarify larger seeds or soak 12 hours for quicker germination

Soil Moist, well drained loam or sandy loam; slightly acidic to neutral with good organic matter

Height 60 to 120 cm depending on variety and conditions

Flowering Late spring through summer depending on sowing time and location

Good Companions Roses; foxgloves; delphiniums; nepeta; shrubs and perennials that share similar moisture needs

 

Sowing Instructions

 

For sowing under cover start in pots or modules April–June and keep at 15–20°C; sow individual seeds 0.5–1 cm deep. For outdoor sowing choose September–October or April in a prepared seedbed; space seedlings or plants 30–45 cm apart. Scarify or soak seeds for 12 hours to improve uptake in older seed lots.

 

Harden off spring seedlings before planting out. Support tall spikes with stakes or plant supports where exposed.

 

Grow and Maintenance

 

Plant in a sunny to part shaded site with consistent moisture during establishment; avoid waterlogging. Feed with a low?nitrogen, phosphate rich feed to encourage flowering rather than excessive foliage. Remove spent spikes to encourage a second flush and cut blooms for vases to extend display; leave some seedheads for self sowing if desired.

 

Renew clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigour and divide congested plants in spring or autumn. Mulch in winter in colder sites and rotate with non leguminous crops to reduce disease.

 

CAUTION: Toxic if eaten