when to plant lupine seeds

If planting lupine from seed, direct sow in the garden in late fall or early winter for blooms the following spring. You can also sow seeds in the spring 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date, but your plants will bloom later in the summer.

When should Lupin seeds be planted?

Border lupins

Sow seeds in early to mid-spring. The large seeds have a tough coating, so it is best to nick them with a knife, then soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing. They should germinate in 10–14 days at 10–15°C (50–59°F).

How long does it take for Lupine to grow from seed?

Lupine have a tough seed coat for surviving difficult winters, but that can make them hard to sow with good results in the greenhouse. The seed packets said to expect 14-28 days for germination, so I was happily surprised to see ours sprout in less than 10 days.

Do lupins come back every year?

Lupins are perennial (i.e. they come up year after year) shrubs which start into growth after the last frosts, produce their first flush of flowers in late May / June and can continue flowering into early August if dead-headed correctly (see below).

Do lupines spread?

Lupines are deep rooted and do not spread except through re-seeding. Seeds will not come true to the original variety planted, but will eventually revert to blue-violet and white.

Do lupines need full sun?

Plant lupine in full sun in areas with cool summers, but give them filtered sunlight in warmer climates. “Although full sun is best for outstanding blooms, you may have to compromise and plant them in partial shade in order to keep them cool and happy,” says Hodgson.

Do lupins self seed?

Lupins do not come true to type from seed, so lupins grown from seed are likely to flower in a mix of colours. ... Lupins will also self-seed in the garden, so lifting the seedlings with a garden trowel and potting them on, in is also a great way to generate new plants.

Do lupines bloom first year?

make a spectacular statement in the perennial garden with their tall spikes of pealike flowers. ... Bloom times vary depending on growing conditions and planting methods, but lupines usually bloom the first year after planting.

Where is the best place to plant lupine?

Lupines prefer full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days, to grow and bloom their best. They can grow in partial shade, but their flowering will be diminished. However, some afternoon shade is ideal in hot climates. If you plant lupines in deep shade, they typically won't flower.

Do lupine seeds need light to germinate?

In their natural environment, native lupines require soil disturbance or fire to germinate and thrive; this is why the seeds are tough as stones. Natural land clearing provides the sunlight required for germination and early growth, and the plants are designed to thrive in fire-sterilized topsoil.

What to do with lupins when they have finished flowering?

Lupins do not take too kindly to being chopped back hard after flowering - they take months to recover. However it is important to deadhead to avoid your lupin plant producing lots of seeds. Keep the vigour in the parent plant and deadhead as the flowers fade.

Are lupins poisonous to dogs?

Toxic if eaten, causing nausea and vomiting. Harmful if eaten in quantity. May cause a skin allergy. Locust Robinia species Nausea and weakness Lupin (leaves, seeds) Lupinus species Harmful if eaten in quantity.

Why are my lupins dying?

After several years of research, the cause of lupin sudden death has been identified as a root rot caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora. Accordingly, the disease will now be known as Phytophthora root rot of lupins.

Do lupines like sun or shade?

Lupines prefer moist, sandy, well-drained soil and cool temperatures. They can succeed on heavier soils, but you really need to loosen the soil for their long taproots. Select a spot in full sun or light shade. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 1 to 1-½ foot.

Do you deadhead lupines?

Lupines generally bloom from late spring into early to midsummer, depending on the variety. ... When most of the flowers on a spike have faded and before they've dried and set seed, deadhead by cutting the spike off with a sharp knife or garden shears.

Are lupines invasive?

In a nutshell, it is an invasive plant that can crowd native species out of their preferred habitats. Also, their seeds are toxic to animals if too many are consumed, which could threaten both grazing farm animals and native herbivores.

What can I plant next to lupines?

Fortunately, several species of flower have the height and heartiness to grow next to the lupine without being overshadowed.

Iris. The iris shares similar growing requirements with the lupine without stealing the spotlight from the blue, cone-shaped flowers. ...
Shasta Daisies. ...
Columbines. ...
Oriental Poppies.

Can you grow lupines in pots?

Can I grow lupines in a container? We do not recommend growing them in containers as they are too large. Will they continue to bloom if I deadhead them? In general lupines will bloom once, but may produce a second flush of bloom in late summer if cut back after blooming.

When can I plant lupins outside?

Although there is some leeway with when to plant (we mentioned February to September for sowing earlier), Lupins stand to do best when sown in early March, hardened off in late April and planted out in early May. If you are harvesting seeds, this should be done in late summer, around early August.

Do lupines multiply?

Individual lupines plants do not spread. As they get older the root gets bigger and sends up more flower stalks. Lupines, do, however, produce dozens of pealike seeds per plant, which are dispersed when the pods pop open in late July or early August.

How do you plant lupine seed pods?

Lay the seeds on top of the soil, spacing the seeds 12 inches apart. Cover the seeds with 1/8 inch of soil and sprinkle water over the planting area. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination process. It takes 15 to 75 days for lupine sprouts to appear when the soil is 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are lupines poisonous?

Lupine hay remains toxic and has been reported to poison sheep. More common than direct toxicity, some lupine alkaloids produce birth defects in cattle if eaten during certain gestational times. ... Not all lupines are poisonous, nor do all species cause birth defects.