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?
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.
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
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
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.... ;)
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.
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
Quote from: sunloving on June 06, 2011, 10:56:16
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 :)
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.
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.
No need to lift the plant. Just thread the leg of an old pair of tights over the stem and tie at the bottom.
^Just done that!!
Out of the 50 seeds sown:
12 of the soaked seeds have germinated.
11 of the unsoaked seeds have germinated.
:P