What Do Lupine Seeds Look Like? A Closer Look at These Colorful Blooms

Lupines are eye-catching wildflowers that come in a diverse range of colors. From bold blues to sunny yellows, lupines add a pop of color to gardens and meadows. Though admired for their flowers, lupines first emerge as tiny seeds. So what do lupine seeds look like? Let’s take a closer look!

The Anatomy of a Lupine Seed

Lupine seeds are quite distinct in appearance They are small, flattened pods that are roughly 0.25 inches (05 cm) long. The seed pods are usually a tan or light brown color.

Inside each pod are a few dark-colored oval seeds. The seeds are slightly hairy and bumpy on the surface. They resemble miniature beans, which makes sense since lupines are in the legume family alongside beans and peas.

Lupine seeds vary somewhat between species, but all share a similar bean-like shape. Some varieties have seeds that are more elongated while others are nearly round. The seeds also range in size, with some dwarf lupines having especially tiny seeds.

Overall though the seeds retain a recognizable look. Their bean-like form and hairy outer coat are tell-tale signs that you are looking at a lupine seed.

Why Do Lupine Seeds Look Like Beans?

It’s no coincidence that lupine seeds resemble beans. As legumes, lupines and beans share some common traits.

Legumes are unique in that they form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in the soil. These rhizobia bacteria take nitrogen from the air and convert it into ammonia that feeds the plant. In return, the legumes provide carbohydrates to the bacteria.

This process takes place in nodules on the plant’s roots The nitrogen is then distributed through the plant to support growth and reproduction The bean-shaped seeds contain concentrated proteins packed with this beneficial nitrogen.

So in short, the bean shape and high protein content of lupine seeds help promote the mutually beneficial relationship between legumes and rhizobia. The nitrogen-fixing bacteria allow lupines to thrive, even in nutrient-poor soils.

What Color Are Lupine Seeds?

Lupine seeds are most often dark colored, usually black, brown, or gray. Some varieties like Texas bluebonnet have seeds with a hint of blue-green. Meanwhile, yellow lupines unsurprisingly tend to have golden tan seeds.

The dark color likely helps camouflage the seeds when they drop to the ground. This may offer some protection from predators that would eat the nutritious seeds. The contrast between the colorful flowers and subdued seeds is quite striking.

Keep in mind that lupine seed color can also vary slightly depending on if the seeds are fresh or dried. When allowed to dry fully on the plant, the outer seed coat generally appears a bit lighter. Fresh lupine seeds tend to look darker and shinier.

Do Lupine Seeds Need to Be Soaked Before Planting?

Many gardeners recommend soaking lupine seeds prior to planting. This helps soften the hard outer coat of the seeds. A soaked seed can more easily imbibe water from the soil and grow.

To soak lupine seeds, simply place them in a container and cover with room temperature water. Let them sit overnight or up to 24 hours. Drain away any water that remains before planting the plump seeds.

Soaking is thought to increase the germination rate of lupine seeds. However, some varieties may not require this extra step. Test on a small batch first to see if soaking makes a noticeable difference.

If you opt to skip soaking, just be sure to plant the seeds at the proper depth. Sow larger lupine seeds about 0.5 inches deep and smaller seeds 0.25 inches deep. Gently firm the soil over the seeds to ensure good contact.

How Should Lupine Seeds Be Stored?

Proper storage is key to maintaining lupine seed viability. Cool, dark, and dry conditions are ideal for long-term storage. Refrigeration can help prevent premature germination.

The small pods that contain the lupine seeds protect them naturally. It’s best to leave seeds in the pods until ready to either soak or plant them.

For short term storage of up to a few months, an airtight container in a cool cupboard works well. For longer storage, consider putting seeds in envelope or jars inside the refrigerator or freezer. Adding a desiccant like silica gel packets can help absorb excess moisture.

With optimal storage conditions, lupine seeds can remain viable for 2-3 years or longer. Avoid letting seeds get moldy, too wet, or exposed to high temperatures as these factors lower viability over time.

When Do Lupines Produce Seeds?

Lupines produce seeds following the bloom period, which varies by species. Annual lupines complete their entire lifecycle in one season, going from seed to flower to back to seed production. These varieties often bloom in early summer and produce seeds by midsummer.

Perennial lupines live for multiple years and may not form seeds until their second season of growth. The seeds mature in mid to late summer after the flowers fade. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more seed production.

Lupine seeds are ready to harvest when the seed pods turn yellow or brown and become dry and brittle. Gently rubbing the pods between your fingers will release the ripe seeds inside. Spread the seeds out to dry further before storing.

Can Lupine Seeds Be Eaten?

While lupine seeds resemble edible beans, it’s important to note that lupine seeds are actually toxic. They contain quinolizidine alkaloids that can cause vomiting, tremors, and even death if ingested.

Lupines grow wild across North America, but learned to avoid eating them. Cases of livestock poisoning have occurred when hungry animals ingest lupines.

That being said, not all lupines are equally toxic. Select species have been bred to produce “sweet lupins” with minimal alkaloids. The seeds of these varieties can be soaked, roasted, and eaten similar to beans. Andean lupin is a common edible species.

Unless you have a confirmed sweet lupine variety, it’s best to appreciate the seeds for their beauty and not as food. The ornamental varieties typically grown in gardens are meant for viewing only!

What is the Best Way to Plant Lupine Seeds?

Lupines grow readily from seeds, but take some patience. Here are a few tips for successfully planting lupine seeds:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Use seed starting mix and keep soil moist.

• Or plant seeds directly in prepared garden beds after danger of frost.

• Loosen soil to a depth of 12 inches and mix in compost or fertilizer. Lupines have long taproots.

• Sow seeds at proper depth based on size. Cover with soil and water gently.

• Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they sprout.

• Be patient! Lupines can take 10-15 days to germinate and up to 4 months to bloom from seed.

With proper planting and care, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant lupine flowers in hues of pink, yellow, blue, purple, and more. The striking blooms will attract pollinators and adorn bouquets all season long.

Common Types of Lupines Found in Gardens

Gardeners can choose from a diverse array of annual and perennial lupine varieties. Some popular types include:

Russell Lupines – These perennial lupines bloom in spikes up to 5 feet tall. Colors include red, purple, pink, white, and bicolor shades.

Texas Bluebonnet – The state flower of Texas, this lupine displays dense blue flowers on 1 foot stems.

Arroyo Lupine – A compact perennial lupine that produces bright blue flower clusters on short stems.

Gallery Lupines – An early blooming mix of annual lupines in blue, pink, yellow, white, and bicolor.

Dwarf Lupines – Compact varieties like ‘Pixie Delight’ that grow just 1 foot tall, ideal for containers.

Wild Perennial Lupine – The classic purple-blue wild lupine found growing across North America.

With so many options, you can find a lupine type suited for gardens big or small!

Do Lupines Come Back Every Year?

Whether lupines return reliably each year depends on if you are growing annual or perennial varieties.

Annual lupines complete their entire lifecycle from seed to flower to seed in one season. They do not regrow the following year. Fortunately, annual lupines readily self-seed, dropping new seeds that sprout the next spring.

Meanwhile, perennial lupines can live for multiple years. Their root systems survive the winter and produce new growth year after year. Take care not to disturb the roots when planting and dividing them.

Hardy perennial lupines are best suited for zones 3-7. They thrive in cooler climates with moderate winters. Provide well-draining soil and full sun for the best recurrence each season.

How Do You Harvest Lupine Seeds?

Home gardeners may want to collect seeds from their lupines to sow the following year or share with fellow gardeners. Here are some tips for harvesting lupine seeds:

• Wait until seed pods turn dry and brown on the plant. Pods will split open when gently squeezed if ready.

• Cut whole flower stalks and place upside down in a paper bag. Store in a dry spot for a week or two.

• Pods will further dry and split open, releasing seeds into the bag.

• Alternatively, you can pick pods individually when dry and rub between fingers over a bowl to remove seeds.

• Spread seeds in a single layer on paper towels or screen for 1-2 weeks to fully cure.

• Store the dry seeds in envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dark location. Add desiccant packs to absorb moisture.

• Label packages with variety and year collected. Lupine seeds typically remain viable for 2-3 years when stored properly.

Saving seeds allows you to cultivate adapted, localized varieties of lupines. It’s also economical and environmentally friendly!

How Long Does It Take for Lupines to Bloom From Seed?

Lupines generally take 70-120 days to bloom when grown from seed. Several factors affect the time to bloom:

Seed Starting Method – Starting seeds indoors in late winter will produce blooms 2-4 weeks sooner than direct sowing seeds in spring.

Annual vs. Perennial – Fast-growing annual lupines bloom in 60-90 days. Slower perennial varieties may not flower until their second year.

Environment – Seeds started indoors and transplanted into warm garden soil bloom quickest. Cool and wet conditions delay flowering.

Variety – Early blooming types like ‘Dwarf Minarette’ flower faster than late-season bloomers.

Plant Spacing – Proper spacing ensures adequate nutrients and sunlight for quick flowering.

Pinching – Pinching back young plants encourages branching and more flower spikes.

Give lupines ideal conditions and be patient for the fastest flower production. The wait is well worth it for these beautiful blooms!

How Can I Get Lupines to Bloom All Summer?

One challenge with lupines is their relatively short bloom period. Each flower spike lasts just 1-2 weeks. But it is possible to extend the lupine flowering season across summer. Here are a few tips:

• Grow a mix of early, mid, and late season blooming varieties. Select both short and tall types.

• Succession plant lupine seeds every 2-3 weeks from early spring through midsummer.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new flower spikes. Leave seed pods to develop for future plants.

• Provide rich soil, full sun, and consistent water for continuous growth and blooming.

• Cut blooms for bouquets to promote more buds. Regularly groom plants.

• Stake tall lupines to prevent storm damage that can shorten bloom time.

With proper planning and care, you can enjoy waves of colorful lupines in your garden for months!

Can Lupines Grow From Cuttings?

Lupines can be propagated from root cuttings, but this method is more difficult than growing lupines from seeds. Here is an overview of how to attempt propagation from lupine cuttings:

• Take 3-5 inch cuttings from new roots or rhizomes in early spring or late fall. Select vigorous plants.

• Allow cut ends to dry/callous for 1-2 days. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).

• Plant cuttings horizontally 0.5-1 inch under moist propagating mix.

• Maintain warm soil (70F+) and high humidity, misting often.

• New shoots may emerge in 2-4 months. Transplant small plants out after 1 year.

• Water frequently but avoid oversaturation. Fertilize lightly monthly.

• Success rate is often low. Taking lots of cuttings helps ensure some propagate.

Be patient – rooting lupine cuttings often takes many months. Growing from seeds is usually more reliable for successful propagation.

What Animals or Insects Are Attracted to Lupines?

Lupines attract a variety of beneficial wildlife to gardens with their nectar-rich blooms. Some creatures that visit lupines include:

Bees – Bees gather pollen and nectar from lupines. The flowers provide an excellent spring food source.

Butterflies – Butterflies like monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies sip nectar from lupines.

Hummingbirds – These colorful birds dart between lupine flower spikes, feeding on the nectar.

Ladybugs – Ladybugs prey on aphids that feed on lupines. The flowers also provide supplemental nectar.

Lupine aphids – While a pest, these aphids rely solely on lupines for food and shelter. They spread between plants.

Mice – Field mice collect and store lupine seeds to eat over the winter months.

By attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, lupines help support the whole garden ecosystem!

Do Lupines Repel Rodents or Deer?

Lupines do not actively repel deer, rabbits, or rodents. In fact, these animals may browse on lupines when food is scarce. Deer sometimes nibble the flowers, while mice and voles eat fallen seeds.

That being said, lupines are not a preferred food source. The stalks have a bitter taste and the seeds contain toxic alkaloids. The animals likely move on to tastier, safer options if available.

While lupines won’t deter pests on their own, planting them with highly fragrant herbs like lavender, thyme, or alliums can help mask their presence. Interplanting with unappealing plants like prickly poppies also lowers their appeal.

For high deer pressure, opt for wild lupines over hybrids. Or surround plants with physical barriers like fences or pruned shrubs. Set up deterrents like repellent sprays, lights, or sound devices.