Russell Lupine Seeds - Rainbow Blossoms Rare Wildflower - Easy to Plant and Grow

Brilliant and bold in a rainbow of colors; this Lupine variety will provide colorful blooms all season. This flower is a cultivated variety of a Lupine that is native to the Pacific Northwest. It grows so quickly and easily that it can almost be invasive with the right growing conditions.
George Russell, a self-taught horticulturalist from Great Britain, produced this lovely plant in the early 1920's after nearly two decades of cross-breeding and experimentation. On being honored by the Royal Horticultural Society for his achievement, Mr. Russell stated that all the really crucial work had been done by the humble little bees in his garden. The name Lupine comes from the Latin "lupus," meaning wolf. This refers to the folk belief that this plant took nutrients from the soil. Ironically, this plant actually improves the soil because of its nitrogen fixing abilities.

Sowing: To soften the hard coating on these Russell Lupine seeds, rub them lightly with sandpaper or soak them in 180 degrees F water overnight before sowing. Sow them in early spring, planting 1/2" deep. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Growing: These seedlings grow very slowly and are rather fragile. Water them occasionally and protect from freezing temperatures. Though mature plants tolerate drought conditions well, provide water occasionally in very dry weather. This plant can be poisonous to livestock if present in excessive amounts. These plants resent having their roots disturbed.

Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.