My Castle Lupine - Authentic Seeds - Perennial ~ GMO Free~~Flower seeds ~ Asian Garden~ Herbs #8122 ^Sale

Step-by-Step Guide
1. Seed Preparation
Scarification: Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ seeds have a hard seed coat that benefits from scarification to improve germination rates. You can:
Nick the Seed Coat: Use a file or sandpaper to gently nick the seed coat. This process helps the seeds absorb water more readily.
Soak in Warm Water: Place the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours. This softens the hard seed coat, making it easier for the seed to sprout.
2. Sowing Seeds
Indoor Sowing
Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. This gives the seedlings a head start before transplanting outdoors.
Containers: Use deep seed trays or pots with drainage holes. Lupines develop a deep taproot, so deeper containers are beneficial.
Soil: Use a well-draining seed starting mix. Lupines prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH soils.
Planting Depth: Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
Watering: Moisten the soil with a spray bottle to keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Outdoor Sowing
Timing: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late fall. Lupine seeds can handle light frost, making early spring or fall planting ideal.
Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ thrives in sunny locations but can tolerate partial shade.
Planting Depth: Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and cover lightly with soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Press them gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Watering: Water gently to keep the soil moist until seeds germinate.
3. Germination Conditions
Temperature: Maintain a soil temperature of 55-70°F (13-21°C) for optimal germination.
Light: Provide bright, indirect light if starting indoors. Place indoor seed trays near a sunny window or under grow lights for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mist the soil surface with water if it starts to dry out.
4. Germination Time
Expect germination in about 14-21 days under optimal conditions.
5. Seedling Care
Thinning: Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and have developed their first true leaves, thin them out to prevent overcrowding. Space them about 12-18 inches apart to ensure they have room to grow and good air circulation.
Light: Ensure seedlings receive plenty of light. If growing indoors, place them in a sunny window or under grow lights for at least 6-8 hours a day.
Watering: Continue to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water gently to avoid displacing the seedlings.
6. Transplanting
Hardening Off
Timing: Begin hardening off seedlings about a week before transplanting them outdoors. This helps them acclimate to the outdoor environment and reduces transplant shock.
Method: Gradually expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions, starting with a few hours of sunlight per day and increasing the duration over several days.
Outdoor Planting
Timing: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date and when they are sturdy enough to handle.
Location: Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Spacing: Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to allow for growth and airflow. This helps prevent disease and promotes healthy growth.
7. Ongoing Care
Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells. Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ prefers consistent moisture during its growing season but is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. This also helps maintain an even soil temperature.
Fertilizing: Lupines do not require much fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in the spring if necessary. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production. This also helps to keep the plant tidy and can extend the flowering period.
8. Pest and Disease Management
Monitoring: Watch for common pests such as aphids and slugs. If necessary, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Disease Prevention: Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ is relatively disease-resistant but can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is too wet. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Treatment: If disease occurs, remove and dispose of affected leaves immediately. Apply a fungicide if necessary and ensure proper spacing and air circulation.
Summary of Growing Duration
From Sowing to Germination: Approximately 14-21 days.
From Planting to Flowering: Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ typically blooms in late spring to early summer, with flowers lasting several weeks.
Additional Tips
Soil Preference: Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Sunlight: Provide full sun to partial shade for the best growth and flowering. Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Drought Tolerance: Once established, Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ is relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry conditions.
Self-Seeding: Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ often self-seeds and can return year after year if conditions are favorable. Allow some of the plants to set seed and drop naturally to encourage reseeding.
Attracts Wildlife: Lupinus ‘The Chatelaine’ is excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden. Its nitrogen-fixing ability also benefits the soil.

SHIPPING

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? Growing instructions included on each seed packet;

? FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $30 or more
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? Please note that we cannot guarantee the success of seeds or plants because these aspects
depend on the environment in which they are cultivated.