Guide to growing Aaron's Rod - Thermopsis

Thermopsis are hardy perennials that range from 30cm to 1.5M in height.

They bloom from late spring to summer and carry yellow flowers resembling those of peas.

Some common names for Thermopsis include Aaron's rod, False Lupine and Carolina Lupine.

How to grow Aaron's rod

The seeds of the Aaron's rod plant (and other Thermopsis) should be sown outdoors just before the last frost of spring or late on in autumn. Once sown, lightly cover the seeds.

Ideally Aaron's rod should be grown in a sunny or partially shaded area of the garden that has a gritty soil of pH 5.5 to 7.

If starting off indoors then sow Aaron's rod seeds into peat pots about 7 weeks before the last frost is expected.

The seeds should first be chipped and need to be imbibed by soaking in warm water for a day. It should take from two weeks to a month for Aaron's rod to germinate. Once established sow the young plants outdoors following the last frost of spring at about 50 to 60cm apart.

Caring for Aaron's rod - Thermopsis

It is easy to care for Thermopsis species such as Aaron's rod and False lupine. Taller varieties should be staked in windy areas; remove the flowering stalks once they have finished flowering to allow for a second bloom; cut back to the ground in the autumn.

If you require more plants it is probably best to grow from seeds as the plants have a delicate taproot; however if you require Aaron's rod can be propagate by division in the spring.

Common Types of Thermopsis

Some of the main types of this plant are Thermopsis lanceolata, Thermopsis montana, Thermopsis villosa, Thermopsis caroliniana and Thermopsis rhombifolia.