Topic: Lupin Seeds: To Soak or Not to Soak?

[Digitalis]

I've been growing lupins from seed for years. But, one problem is erratic germination. I can sow 60 seeds and get 3 seedlings sometimes :(

I've always soaked the seed overnight.

I'm thinking of trying to sow them without the need for soaking.

What are your thoughts?

[landimad]

Digitalis,
I have never soaked my seed, and yes germination is erratic.
Though I had some 100 seeds to germinate only 69 came true.
I soak the compost and allow to drain off before dropping them into the soil.
I then put them into the cold frame for as long as it takes for them to germinate.
Once the majority are through then I start to pot them on.
Start in cells and move to 3" pots when ready.
Mine are in 5" pots now and the seed has been sourced from a baron bit of land, which has old style colouring. Some are dwarf and some are tall types.
I still have loads of seed left and will do the same again next year.

[darkbrowneggs]

One of my memories of my Grandfather probably back in the early 60's was sitting with him while with a very sharp knife he shaved/chipped a tiny bit of the coat off each individual Lupin seed.  Whether this worked or not, and whether it was in a specific area of the seed I have no idea.  I merely relate this in case anyone else knows about it, or knows if it works

All the best
Sue

[Digitalis]

Thanks guys.

As a test- I've soaked 25 seeds and done nothing to the other 25. I'll sow them in separate trays and see which produces the best germination rate. :P

[green lily]

Well for what its worth Digitalis, I cleared a herbaceous bed last year to put it down to veg. I've more self sown lupins coming up [and on the gravel bed opposite] than you can throw a hat at. So if you can replicate the hard winter in the fridge and ignore them for a couple of months or so you may be onto something. Otherwise if your in North Lincs I could set you up with a dozen or so small plants.... ;)

[ipt8]

I have discovered by making a silly error that, if you poor boiling water over the seeds in a cup, and let them soak for 24 hours then plant them, they germinate well.
I have done this with bought Russel Lupins and with home collected tree Lupin seeds. Its worked well for me for the last three years.
I started some tree lupin by this methos last weekend and today, 7 days on  I see half a dozen have germinated already.

[sunloving]

Also nows the time to hunt about for fresh seeds on old flower heads , ripening nicely and excellent germination if you sow them fresh.

x sunloving

[antsinmipants]

Also nows the time to hunt about for fresh seeds on old flower heads , ripening nicely and excellent germination if you sow them fresh.

x sunloving

Totally agree with you Sunloving.....fresh seed is best...I love Lupins and this is my way of growing them too  :)

[Digitalis]

Good idea.

I have left one flower head to go to seed. How can I tell when they are ripe?

I was always told to leave seedheads on as long as possible.

[Robert_Brenchley]

The pods burst open and throw the seeds everywhere, so once the seeds have swelled, it may be better to lift the whole plant and shove it in a sack till they're ripe.

[Kepouros]

No need to lift the plant.  Just thread the leg of an old pair of tights over the stem and tie at the bottom.

[Digitalis]

^Just done that!!

Out of the 50 seeds sown:

12 of the soaked seeds have germinated.
11 of the unsoaked seeds have germinated.

 :P