Lupine Seeds - My Castle

Lupinus polyphyllus ‘My Castle’

Lupine Seeds ~25 Seeds

Lupine ‘My Castle’ is a showstopping perennial, prized for its tall, spiky racemes of rich, ruby-red flowers that rise dramatically above lush green foliage.

Part of the popular Russell Hybrid series, this lupine is known for its bold colour and reliable performance in northern gardens. Its vibrant blooms bring vertical structure and drama to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator plantings.

Lupines also improve the soil, as their roots help fix nitrogen, making them a beneficial companion to other plants. Easy to grow and low maintenance once established, ‘My Castle’ thrives in cooler climates and adds a stately presence to any garden bed.

• Suitable for drying
• Suitable for containers
• Attracts pollinators
• Attracts beneficial insects and/or butterflies
  
• Deters deer or rabbits
  
• Low maintenance
• Easy to grow
• Long blooming

Plant Details:
• Life cycle: Perennial zones 4 - 8
• Variety type: Hybrid
• Height: 24–40 inches
• Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Planting spacing: 18–24 inches apart
• Toxicity warnings: All parts of lupine plants are toxic if ingested, particularly seeds and pods

Growing Instructions:

Seed Depth: 3 mm (1/8")

Indoors: Sow about 6–8 weeks (some sources say spring directly after frost) before the last expected frost. Nick or lightly scarify seeds and soak overnight before sowing in peat pots or cell packs—not flats (using individual pots to avoid root disturbance).  Moderate temperatures around 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) are ideal; heat mats aren’t recommended.

Outdoors (preferred): Direct sow after the last frost; spacing of 30–60 cm (12–24 inches); thin to strongest seedlings.

Days to germination: 14–21 days 

Common Questions and Answers:

1. Do lupines bloom in their first year from seed?
Lupines grown from seed usually establish foliage in the first season and produce their best flower spikes in the second year. Some may give a small flush of blooms in year one, depending on sowing time and growing conditions.

2. Are lupines deer resistant?
Yes. While toxic if eaten, lupines are generally avoided by deer and rabbits, making them a reliable perennial for gardens prone to browsing.