Arroyo, Purple
Purple Arroyo Lupine Lupinus Succulentus
Annual. Lives just one year. Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground. Like all lupines, the seed of this one is large and hard. Many soak the seed before planting to soften the seed coat. Others recommend scratching the seed with sandpaper or a file to help the hard seed coat "break" after planting. Nobody does any of this in the wild, of course, so it is not required, however these treatments may hasten development. Once germinated, lupines must form a tap root before blooming well, and this means a preference for sandy or otherwise loose soils. With heavier soils, they will develop, but it will simple take longer. The pea-shaped flowers are in whorls along the unusually thick, fleshy, green, hairless flower stalks. The individual flowers have a large, white banner spot on the banner petal that turns magenta with age. The leaves are green, mainly cauline (growing along the stems), and palmate with 7 to 9 broad, fleshy, blunt-tipped leaflets with hairless upper surfaces.
Planting Arroyo Lupine
Select an area for planting. You can plant the seeds directly into the soil. (However, you can start them a few weeks prior to spring by planting the seeds into peat pots.) When choosing an area, keep in mind that the plants prefer full sun and well draining, sandy-type soil.
Height: 18-24”" inches Spacing: 12-14" inches Depth: 1/16" inch Germination: 21-28 days Starting from Seed Indoors
Soaking the seeds will speed up the growing process. Place a few seeds (2 to 3) into each peat pot and push them into the soil with your finger. Cover the seeds to a depth of approximately 1/16 inch of the potting mix. Mist each peat pot with water until the soil appears moist. Place the pots in an area which will provide both light (which is required for germination) and heat, preferably about 65 to 70 degrees F and at least 8 hours of light each day. Check on the seeds every day and keep the seeds damp but not drenched by misting with your plant mister. You should see sprouting in about 14 to 28 days. Once your seedlings have reached about 2 to 3 inches in height, choose an area in your garden to transfer them. You can also use containers like barrels or clay pots. Dig holes twice the width and depth of each of your peat pots. Fill up each hole with water then let it drain off. Place a peat pot in the hole center and level so that your seedling is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Push dirt in carefully all the way to fill the hole back up. Water each seedling carefully so as not to soak the leaves or stem.
Direct-seeding into the Garden
Turn over the area you've selected to a depth of approximately 5 to 6 inches. Rake the area until it's level and smooth. Water the area until the soil is damp but not saturated. Scatter the seeds in the area. Gently rake the area to distribute the seeds further and protect them from birds. Or, press the seeds into the soil and cover with no more than 1/16 inch of soil. You can also place 2 to 3 seeds every 3 to 4 inches in rows approximately 12 inches apart, and cover seeds with 1/16 inch of soil. Place planting stakes around the area so you will know where to water. Check on your seeds about once a day. Make sure to mist the soil whenever it appears dry. Germination for Arroyo Lupine is approximately 21 to 28 days, depending on the warmth of the soil. Once your Arroyo Lupine reach about 2 to 3 inches in height, you can reduce the frequency of irrigation, since Lupines do not like damp growing conditions.
Germination Problems
Growing plants from seeds successfully depends on a lot of factors and this makes it impossible to guarantee success on every batch of seeds planted. Factors include, soil composition, PH, temperature, moisture levels, seed depth, soil density, seed viabilty, seed storage and many others. We tested the germination of all our seeds and this seed variety is around 80%, but your results may vary based on exactly how you plant and all the environmental factors. Good luck.