Can I grow a lupine from a seed?
By annamol
@annamol (275)
United States
July 21, 2010 2:49pm CST
I have 2 lupines. Both of them I got from the roots. They are full grown plants now. They have good foliage and flowers. Some of the flowers go out of bloom and seeds appear.
So, I have a question for those who had an experience with lupines. Will I be able to grow a good plant from a seed and how this can be compared to growing a plant from a root?
1 person likes this
1 response
@owlwings (43910)
• Cambridge, England
21 Jul 10
Yes, lupins grow well from seed. The seeds grow in pods like little hard, black peas (they are the same family). Let the seed ripen on the plant and once the pods are hard and brittle, put them in a paper bag so that the seeds don't jump all over the place and press them (like shelling peas). Save the seed until spring.
Before planting it can help to nick the skin of each seed with a knife. You can also rub the seeds a little on sandpaper. The outer skin is hard and waterproof so this helps the seed to germinate. Plant them about 1/2" deep in a good seed compost in pots or a seed tray under glass or on a window sill.
When the plants have developed two or three real leaves (the ones with 5 leaflets), transplant the best plants into 3" pots. These can be hardened off by putting them outside on frost free days. Once the plants have developed a good root ball, they can be planted where you intend them to grow.
Lupins grown from seed may not necessarily come true to colour but some people think that adds to the excitement.
