When to Plant Lupine in Minneapolis, Minnesota (55421)

Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota

ZIP Code

55421

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Sunday, May 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, May 10, 2026 · Zone 5a

Pro tip: Sow Lupine directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Lupinus polyphyllus

Days to Maturity 365 days

Mature Height 24-48"

Spread 24"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Lupine in Minneapolis?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, April 12, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

CarrotBrassicasCorn

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Lupine

See which plants help Lupine thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌍 Flower Garden Soil ✂️ Pruning Shears 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods to dry on the plant — pods will turn black and begin to twist when fully ripe.

Processing

Collect before pods explode and fling seeds. Shell pods, dry seeds 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Lupine seeds have a hard coat — nick with sandpaper or soak 24 hours before sowing to improve germination.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Lupine. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lupine in Minneapolis, Minnesota? +

In Minneapolis (Zone 5a), direct sow Lupine outdoors around Sunday, April 12, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Minneapolis, Minnesota? +

The average last spring frost date for Minneapolis, Minnesota (ZIP 55421) is around Sunday, May 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 5a.

How long does Lupine take to grow? +

Lupine typically matures in about 365 days from direct sowing. In Minneapolis, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, April 12, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Lupine indoors or direct sow in Minnesota? +

Lupine does best when direct sown outdoors. In Minneapolis, sow directly around Sunday, April 12, 2026.

📚 More Lupine Planting Guides

🗺️

Lupine in Minnesota

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 5a Lupine Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Minneapolis

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Growing Lupine in Zone 5a

Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) is a popular garden vegetable. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a, you should direct sow seeds around Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, May 10, 2026. Lupine grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.