Lupins enchant every garden with their decorative blossom candles in white, yellow, pink, violet or blue. You can easily sow them from seeds according to our instructions.
In a nutshell
- Collect lupine seeds from existing plants
- Seeds have a hard shell
- For better germination, roughen seeds and soak in water
- Sow possible in May or August
Table of contents
- lupins
- Sow lupine seeds
- Preparation
- sowing
- Sow lupine seeds as green manure
- Instructions
- frequently asked Questions
lupins
lupins (lupinus) belong to the legumes (Faboideae) within the legume family (Leguminosae). This family also includes beans and peas. When the lupins have faded, you can see the pods typical of legumes. If you dry them, they will burst open revealing the dark lupine seeds.
Sow lupine seeds
Propagating lupins by seed is not difficult. The best dates for this are in May or August. Lupins sown in summer will not flower until the following year. You have more time to recharge your batteries and grow well.
A notice: You can grow lupins in pots from April onwards. Early seedlings have a head start over no-till. After the ice saints, they can be planted in the bed.
Preparation
Lupine seeds are large and have a hard shell. With good preparation, you can increase germination.
1. roughening
Rough up the seeds on sandpaper.
2. pre-sources
Put the roughened seeds in a thermos with warm water for a day. The next day they are ready for sowing.
sowing
- Choose a suitable area with well-drained soil in partial shade.
- Loosen the soil and rake the area smooth.
- Using the handle of the rake, make two to three centimeter deep holes in the soil and place the pre-soaked seeds in them at a distance of 40 centimeters.
- Close the grooves again with the back of the rake, because lupins are dark germs.
- Water the area. Use the spray attachment on the watering can.
- Keep the bed moist for the next two weeks. When the lupins are about eight inches high, you can reduce the watering.
Tip: Lupins look very decorative in group plantings. Spread the seeds out in a circle. Keep a distance of 40 centimeters between the seeds.
Sow lupine seeds as green manure
Lupins are popular for their beautiful flowers. Since they belong to the legume group, the plants can also be used as green manure.
Sowing is possible at any time. Sowing lupins to improve the soil after harvesting vegetables.
Instructions
- Loosen up the area and rake it smooth.
- Distribute the lupine seeds on the bed and rake them in evenly.
- Water the area.
- Keep the area moist for a few days until the plants have grown about four to eight inches tall.
- Cut off the lupins after a few weeks.
- Work the plant parts into the soil.
A notice: The roots, leaves, stems and flowers break down, increasing the nutrient content of the soil.
frequently asked Questions
All lupine species contribute to soil improvement. They loosen up the soil with their roots, which can be up to three meters long. Some lupine species enter into a symbiosis with nodule bacteria. With the help of the bacteria, the lupins collect nitrogen from the air via the leaves and release it to the plant and to the soil via the roots. Annual species such as the blue lupine are recommended for green manure (Lupinus angustifolius). Seeds of this strain are available in inexpensive bulk packs.
All parts of the plant and the seeds of the lupine contain alkaloids. They are toxic to humans, pets and livestock. The seeds in particular contain high concentrations of poison. Lupins should not be grown in gardens where children play. Sweet lupins, on the other hand, are grown as a protein-rich food. They have succeeded in reducing the alkaloid content to a harmless amount through breeding.
Legumes should generally not be combined with each other. Therefore, you should use mixed cultures of lupins Peas, avoid beans and lentils. heavy feeder benefit from the neighborhood with lupins. Lupins are also welcome as a soil conditioner on the flower bed.
Lupins look very decorative both individually and in colorful bouquets of summer flowers. With the cut you increase the willingness to bloom.