Hello Stan,

Last spring I did not have any success with the lupins coming up, as I had in previous years. I did not plant any seeds in 2001 spring, but in early fall, lupins started coming up all over the place, even in the grass. They must have been from the seeds I had distributed in 2000. Some grew to about 10 inches in height and were still green after frost and the first snowfall. They had not formed buds before I covered them with leaves. There is still snow cover on them and is something I do not have a problem with.

Will these same plants revive in the spring or do lupins always start from seeds? I really want to have lupins blooming this summer. Should I start seeds indoors and if I do, when, and will those plants bloom this summer ?
I guess I do not fully understand the growth habits of lupins. Are they really a perennial in this part of the country - half way between Westlock and Athabasca?

I should mention that I do not have much success with the blooming aspect.
Very few plants bloom. Soil is grey- wooded.

Thanks,
Patricia

Pat - Lupines are a very interesting plant that should thrive in your community. First of all, they are bi-annuals and a legume plant that, when established, creates their own nitrogen rich soil.

Once seeded, that seed has the capability of germinating twenty years later. A percentage of these seeds will remain dormant until local factors of temperature, moisture and natural light triggers the germination process. Each seed is equipped with a set of valves that open and close during the dormancy; either expelling or taking in air and or water, enough to sustain a health seed until conditions are perfect for germination.

The plants that did show signs of growth will likely continue on to become a flower bearing, and seed setting specimen. If you wanted to seed out of natural conditions, you can begin in two or three weeks.

Use new seed. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. Dry the seeds for an hour or so, then broadcast them on a mix of peat moss and sand, half and half. Moisten the mix and spread into a container no shallower than 4 to 6 inches.

Keep the container in a constant temp. of 55 to 65 degrees until germination, which takes 15 to 20 days. Maintain a constant moisture, and begin transplanting when the 2 first leaves show good development. These transplants have a long root, so don't leave them very long in the seeding container.

Yes they will flower for this season.

Watch for the Russell hybrids.