Lupinus polyphyllusBeautiful bold colours for early summer borders, the ideal variety for small gardens and patio tubs. A hardy perennial, flowers the same year from an early sowing.
Sow indoors to flower the same year, 0.5cm deep, in a tray of compost. Seedlings usually appear in 21-42 days. Transplant individually when large enough to handle to 8cm (3in) pots. (Always hold seedlings by a leaf, never by the stem.) Gradually accustom young plants to outside conditions before planting out 60cm (2ft) apart, when frosts are over.
Or sow outdoors to flower the following year, in a seed bed, 0.5cm deep, into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Thin seedlings to 5cm (2in) apart before planting out to flowering position in autumn, spacing 60cm (2ft) apart. Caution: Harmful if eaten.