Typically, lupines start showing off their colors around late May, and those beautiful spikes usually stick around through August. But here’s a pro tip: if you give them a little extra love, you can actually get a second flush of blooms in the fall!
How to get a second bloom
If you want your lupines to go for round two after their first big show in August, timing is everything. You’ll want to deadhead the faded flower spikes as quickly as possible. By cutting them back promptly, you’re telling the plant to put its energy into growing new flowers rather than producing seeds. It’s a total game-changer for your garden’s color.
Working from the bottom up
You can also keep your lupines looking fresh even while they’re still in their peak blooming phase. Lupines bloom sequentially, starting from the bottom of the spike and working their way up to the tip. By the time the top flowers are opening, the ones at the bottom might start looking a bit brown or spent. Just pluck those individual faded flowers off to keep the whole spike looking vibrant and healthy.
Lupine Blooming Basics:
- The main season runs from May through August.
- You can get two blooming cycles a year by deadheading spent spikes early.
- Keep individual spikes looking better for longer by removing wilted lower flowers.
