What is the Miniature Lupine?
Miniature Lupine (Lupinus bicolor) is a petite, low-growing California wildflower that packs charm into a small package. Often only 3-8 inches tall, this annual produces delicate spikes of blue and white flowers. It spreads easily in open grassy areas and blooms in spring, adding splashes of blue color to meadows. Adapted to winter rains and dry summers, it completes its life cycle by early summer and reseeds. As a legume, it enriches soil by fixing nitrogen. Ideal for creating a low-growing floral carpet in native meadows or garden edges.
Specifications
Sun Requirement
Full Sun
Soil Preference
Well-drained Sandy or Loamy Soils
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Time to Maturity
~60–75 days to bloom
Height when mature
3–8 inches
Seeding Rate
1lb/10,000 Sq Ft
Planting Depth
1/8 inch—light cover
Miniature Lupine
Lupinus bicolor |
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Why Choose This Seed?
Charming Small Blooms
Bicolor Lupine is a beautiful, low-growing wildflower. Plant with native bunchgrasses such as Purple Needlegrass and other native wildflowers such as Arroyo Lupine for a beautiful native meadow. Plant this lupine as a garden border or tuck it into tight spaces for a brilliant pop of color in the spring.
Quick to Flower
Bicolor Lupine is is a fast-growing annual. Plant anytime from September to early March. It blooms about two months from seed for fast spring color.
Self-Seeding Annual
Bicolor Lupine easily reseeds and goes dormant in the summer, starting its life cycle again in the late fall.
Soil Improvement
Like all legumes, Bicolor lupine fixes nitrogen through its roots, enriching soil and creating better conditions for companion plants over time.
Low-Growing & Versatile
Whether you are adding this species to a restoration mix or a small container garden, this species is a perfect choice due to its small size, quick blooms, and reliable reseeding.
Seed Description
Product Details
Sun/Shade
Full Sun
Height
3–8 inches
Seeding Rate
5-10 lbs/acre
Uses
Native wildflower lawns, meadow mixes, roadside revegetation, cover crop
Color
Blue-violet and white
Water
Low—seasonal rainfall; dry summer dormancy
Native/Introduced
Native to Western North America
Life Form
Annual wildflower
Wildflower Planting Guide
Time it right & prep the site
Sow in the wet season. In Mediterranean climates (California and similar), direct-seed in fall through mid-winter so rain and cool temps drive germination. Ideal window is mid-October–February; Nov–Mar also works. Clear weeds, lightly loosen the top 1–2″, and aim for full sun with well-drained soil. Don’t amend heavily—native annuals prefer lean soils.
Prep the seed for even takeoff
For lupines, shallow-sown seed is usually enough. If you want to push germination, you can lightly nick (scarify) or soak overnight—helpful for tougher seed coats. Lupine seed often benefits from a lupine-specific Rhizobium inoculant(improves nitrogen-fixing nodules), but it’s optional for ornamental displays.
Sow shallow, rake in, and firm
Your spec of 5–10 lb/acre works for a light, mixed meadow effect. For denser single-species stands, reputable suppliers list higher monoculture rates (~20–50 lb/acre). Calibrate based on your goal and budget. Depth: cover ~⅛–¼″—just enough for darkness and soil contact. After broadcasting, lightly rake to set the seed and press (roller or gentle foot traffic).
Establish, then let it reseed
After sowing, keep the seedbed evenly moist until consistent seasonal rains take over; then taper. Miniature Lupine blooms spring (roughly Mar–Jun), then goes dry-summer dormant and self-seeds—avoid summer irrigation. Skip fertilizers; natives don’t need them. Leave some spent stalks to drop seed, or mow high after seed set to help it naturalize year to year.
Questions & Answers
Is Miniature Lupine native to the US?
Miniature Lupine is native across western North America—British Columbia to Baja California—with a strong California presence.
When should I plant the seed?
Direct-seed in the cool wet season so rain does the work: fall through mid-winter (roughly October–February in Mediterranean climates). Expect spring bloom after winter growth.
How much water does it need after sowing?
Keep the seedbed evenly moist until rains take over. Once established, let it ride on seasonal rainfall; it goes summer-dormant and doesn’t want irrigation in dry heat.
Will it reseed and come back each year?
Yes—this annual readily self-seeds. Let some pods mature; mow high or leave stalks until seed drop to help it naturalize.
Is it good for pollinators?
Absolutely. Miniature Lupine feeds native bees (including bumble bees). Lupines signal “pollinated” by the banner spot changing color, which helps bees forage efficiently.
Is it safe around livestock or pets?
Use caution with grazing animals. Many lupines contain alkaloids; toxicity varies by species, and risk is higher in seed/pod stages. Keep livestock off stands—especially pregnant cattle—during seed set. For pets, avoid ingestion.
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