You’ve seen them towering like elegant, colorful fireworks along Dutch roadsides, and now you can actually pick them yourself. That’s right: lupins — those gorgeous, pea-like flower spikes in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow — are waiting for you at several pick-your-own farms across the Netherlands. No need to be a seasoned gardener; just bring a pair of scissors, a bucket with a little water, and a sense of adventure.

The Picking Experience
Grab your friends or kids and wander between the rows. Lupins are tall and sturdy, so you can easily spot your favorites. Choose stems where most of the lower flowers are open but the very tip still has a few buds — that means they’ll last longer in a vase. Snip the stem at an angle, right above a leaf node, and pop it straight into your bucket. It’s oddly satisfying, like gathering a handful of magic wands. Plus, the bees will thank you for leaving a few behind.

At Home: Decoration Ideas
Lupins are showstoppers in a tall, clear vase — no need for filler greens. Mix several colors together for a joyful, wild bouquet, or go monochrome for a more sophisticated look. They also dry beautifully: hang them upside down in a dark, dry spot for two weeks, and you’ll have a rustic, everlasting arrangement. Want to be extra? Float a few individual flowerlets (plucked from the stem) in shallow bowls of water as table centerpieces.

One More Idea: The Lupin Tea
Yes, you can make a mild, floral tea from fresh or dried lupin flowers. Here’s a simple recipe:

Lupin Flower Tea

  • 1 tablespoon fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried) lupin flowers, rinsed
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Place the flowers in a teapot or mug, cover with boiling water, and steep for 5–7 minutes. Strain and sip. The flavor is gentle, slightly sweet, and a little grassy — perfect for a quiet afternoon. Note: Only use non-bitter varieties (ornamental lupins are fine). If you’re unsure, ask the farmer.

Cocktail Time: The Pink Lupin Spritz
Because why should herbs get all the fun?

  • 1 handful fresh lupin flowers (pink or purple look best)
  • 2 oz gin or vodka
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Sparkling water
  • Ice cubes

Muddle the lupin flowers gently in a shaker. Add gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and a handful of ice. Shake well. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a whole flower spike. It’s floral, refreshing, and utterly Instagrammable.

Enjoy your lupin adventure — from field to vase (and glass)!