Once you’ve had lupines blooming in your garden, it’s hard not to want them everywhere! These stunning spikes of color are addictive. If you’re looking to spread the love and add more lupines to your outdoor space, you’ve got a few great options. There are three main ways to get the job done.
Growing from Seed
Starting lupines from seed is definitely a lesson in patience, but it’s super rewarding. You can either grab a packet of seeds from your favorite garden center or harvest them yourself by collecting the pods from faded flower spikes. You can sow them directly in your garden beds in the fall or spring, or start them indoors in pots if you want a head start. Just a heads-up: if you have curious kids or pets, keep those seeds tucked away safely—they are toxic if eaten.
Dividing the Roots
Another way to multiply your lupines is by dividing the roots. Now, I’ll be honest—the hardest part here is the digging! Lupines grow long taproots that go pretty deep, and you want to try to keep them as intact as possible. Since lupines are tough plants that don’t get bothered by pests or diseases too often, you can usually just use a sharp spade to slice the root clump. Just make sure each piece has at least five “eyes” (growth buds) before you move them to their new spots in the garden.
Taking Cuttings
The third method is using cuttings. For this, you’ll want to look for the fresh new shoots growing from the center of the plant. In early spring, once they’re at least four inches long, cut them off as deep as you can near the base. Stick them into a deep seed tray or a dedicated nursery bed. These little guys need plenty of moisture early on to help them develop their own root systems. After about six weeks, they should be strong enough to transplant into their permanent home in your garden.
To recap, your go-to methods for more lupines are:
- Seeds
- Root division
- Cuttings
