- The three methods of propagating lupins
- Grow lupins from seed
- Division of the lupine root
- Cut cuttings for propagation
- tips and tricks
Lupins produce so many seeds that you can easily collect them yourself. But the hardy ornamental plants can also be propagated and cared for in the garden for several years by dividing roots or cutting cuttings.
The three methods of propagating lupins
- sowing
- root division
- cuttings
Grow lupins from seed
Lupins are easiest to grow from seed. You can collect the seeds yourself from blossomed panicles or buy them in a specialist shop. Here you have the choice between colorful mixtures and monochromatic lupine varieties.
The seed is sown on the spot in the garden either in autumn or spring. Alternatively, you can also use propagation pots (€16.68) to pull them out and put the young plants in the garden or in a bucket later.
Note that ornamental lupine seed is poisonous and must be kept out of the reach of children and animals.
Division of the lupine root
If the lupins have grown very large and you have to dig them out anyway for reasons of space, you can divide the roots for propagation.
It is not easy to get the whole root out of the ground undamaged, because the lupine develops very long roots. Be careful not to damage the root system too much when digging up or dividing.
The root is pierced with a spade, leaving at least five eyes on each section. Then the root pieces are planted in the desired location and watered well.
Cut cuttings for propagation
The lupine plant forms new shoots in the middle of the plant. These are cut off as far down as possible in early spring when they are at least ten centimeters long.
The cut pieces are placed in a seed bed or deep seed tray and kept well moist. After about six weeks, the cuttings have formed enough roots so that you can plant them in the garden or in a bucket.
tips and tricks
Lupins are often grown as green manure in the garden or in fields. Unlike the ornamental perennials, these plants do not develop impressive inflorescences, but are rather inconspicuous. When buying, look for seeds or plants that are designated as ornamental plants.