Page 21 - North Haven Magazine Issue 25 Autumn 2022

Dried pods with seeds.

Propagation of Lupins
Lupin seeds form in a pod, similar to a pea pod, after
the flowers have finished blooming. The pods can be
left on the plant to dry and pop open to naturally self-
seed. They are not true to type from seed so you may
have new plants with colors that are different from the
parent plant. Another option is to collect the pods, dry
them, and then place the seeds where you want more
lupins to grow.
Lovely spires of lupin.
Care of the plant
Some lupins may need to be staked, but it can help the cide for aphids and slugs, and Greencure Liquid Con-
taller varieties if they are toward the back of the garden centrate is an organic fungicide that can be used for
and sheltered from strong winds. After the blossoms powdery mildew if that should be a problem. Fortu-
are finished, the flowers can be deadheaded in hopes nately, deer are not attracted to lupins.
of getting a second flowering before fall. In the fall, cut Word of Caution: Lupin seeds of a specific variety are
back all the foliage to the ground after collecting any being grown in some parts of the world for their high
seed pods that you may want to save. Lupins live about protein content. However, it is best to avoid eating any
six years, so you will want to allow the seeds to develop part of lupin plants as many varieties are toxic to hu-
and produce new plants to maintain your supply. mans and pets.

Growing from seeds Varieties of Lupins
Lupin seeds are readily available and once you have There are over 200 species of wild lupin and usually
some plants growing, you will have a source of seeds. have blue, white, and yellow flowers. Garden lupins are
You can let them naturally self-seed or collect the seeds hybridized from the basic group of Russell hybrids.
to plant in a new area. If you soak the seeds overnight, While most of the lupins grow tall, there are dwarf va-
or nick the seed coat with a sharp knife, it will facilitate rieties such as “Minarette” and “Dwarf Lulu”, available
germination. Plant the seed about one-quarter inch for those who need a shorter plant. Because there are
deep in the chosen location. Lupins grown from seed so many varieties, it is best to use the Internet sources
usually flower their second year. Transplanting lupins to learn about specific ones that will meet your needs.
is difficult because they have a long tap root which may
break when digging up the plant. Now that you are familiar with lupins, hopefully you
will even be motivated to experiment with growing
Pests and disease some in your gardens, planters, or fields. It would be
Lupins are susceptible to aphids, slugs, and powdery nice to see lovely lupins in North Haven once again.
mildew. Organic insecticides such as Captain Jack’s
Natural Garden Insect Killer can be used as an insecti-

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