Wolfgrass is one of a thousand representatives of the legume or moth family. Despite the fact that it has been known for almost 4000 years, progress in domestication is still very weak. In agriculture, only 1 perennial species and 3 annuals are used. As decorative - about 10 species of more than 200 known.

Lupine species

There are several systems that subdivide cultivated lupine into species.

First option. Growth division into dwarf shrubs, dwarf shrubs and shrubs.

Second option. Sorting plants by two subgenera and their place of distribution:

• American group, subdivided into North and South American;
• Mediterranean, including African species.

Third option. The most common one is annual or perennial lupins.

Lupins Red Rum

annual species

White lupine (lupinus albus), yellow lupine (lupinus luteus) and narrow-leaved or blue lupine (lupinus angustifolius) - these are the plants used in our country as a fodder crop and green manure. They are unpretentious, frost-resistant and can reach a height of up to two meters.

Ornamental annuals include: hybrid lupine (lupinus hybridus), changeable lupine (lupinus mutabilis), dwarf lupine (lupinus nanus) and Hartweg's lupine (lupinus hartwegii). In general, they are more demanding on growing conditions, as they do not tolerate cold weather. Have a large number of garden forms, varieties and hybrids.

perennial species

Multi-leaved lupine (lupinus polyphyllus) and tree lupine (lupinus arboreu) are the most common varieties in Russia. They have fully adapted to climatic conditions, although the latter is still recommended for the southern regions. Thanks to D. Russell huge amount new varieties with bright juicy flowers.

Of course, the plant is represented not only by the above listed species, but the rest, such as silver lupine (lupinus argenteus) or Nutkan lupine (lupinus nootkatensis), are extremely rare in our country.

Seeds, how much they cost, what they look like

Lupine seeds vary in shape, color, and size, although they are generally similar to those of peas, beans, and other legumes. It is an inexpensive plant, as most people continue to consider it a weed. The cost of pure seeds starts from 10 rubles and directly depends on the number of beans in a pack. There are sites where you can buy lupine cheaper, but for this you should order a batch of 50 pieces.

How to grow from seed

Most often, seeds are used only in cases where it is interesting to do breeding work or you don’t want to spend time planting. Therefore, in the first case, seed is carefully collected and selected. But in the second - lupine quickly becomes a weed, which they try to get rid of, without appreciating its beauty.

A cleaner way to preserve the varieties already on the site is cuttings. But in the absence of a mother liquor, you have to use seed material. It is best to choose perennial species for this. annual varieties more demanding on conditions, and due to not the best germination of lupine, this can become a problem.

Harvest the fruits as soon as they turn yellow and begin to dry out a little. You should not allow them to ripen in the garden, because, having scattered through the flower beds, the lupine will quickly turn back into a weed, losing all the purity of its shades.

Note. That is why when growing seeds do not use hybrid varieties- already in the second year, the plant returns to its original form (violet shades begin to predominate, and white ones disappear).

To obtain seedlings, which is relevant for northern regions, seeds are sown at the very beginning of spring (mid-March - early April). This allows you to achieve earlier and more friendly flowering of lupine in the flower bed.

Prepare deep drawers with a drainage system. Fill in the prepared soil. Plant the seeds. And expect shoots.

The depth of the drawers is not critical, smaller molds can also be used. A good option would be to use disposable cups(only drainage should be done). It should be noted that the root of the plant is quite powerful and goes deep. Accordingly, in case of untimely planting, it can be deformed, which will directly affect the quality of the grown plant.

The soil mixture is made from sand, soddy soil and peat. The recommended proportions are 1:2:2. Some flower growers recommend reducing the proportion of sand. In fact, the proportion is very arbitrary and largely depends on the quality of the sod land used. Looseness and friability remains a prerequisite ready mix. As a top dressing, you can add a crushed old plant (lupine).

Seeds should be planted individually, at a distance 30-50cm apart. Ideally, each bean in its own box. You can pre-treat them with foundationazole 50% sp. Be sure to check the date on the package, although lupine retains good germination for 5 years, it's not worth the risk.

After disembarkation, it is recommended to water the containers and cover with a film to ensure optimal conditions. Approximately in 2-3 weeks, which depends on room temperature and plant variety, the first shoots appear. landing in open ground should be carried out after the end of frost, approximately the end of April - the beginning of May. Try to guess the time so that the plant has at least 2-4 true leaves. Still weak seedlings, it is necessary to protect from strong wind. Within a few days, the lupine will quickly get used to the new territory and you don’t have to worry so much.

It is important to remember that when growing pure varieties (to collect seeds), the plants should be separated from each other, not allowing them to cross-pollinate.

Planting in the spring

AT southern regions practiced planting seeds immediately in open ground.

Despite its unpretentiousness, there are still a number of requirements that must be met:

• decide in advance on the place for disembarkation. Preference should be given to an area with diffused light - lupine can tolerate direct sunlight, but in partial shade, the shades of flowers become much brighter. It is recommended to protect the plant from the wind, or to tie them up during;
• prepare the soil in autumn. Be sure to dig up the ground, make mineral fertilizers(a couple of tablespoons of ash is usually enough for one bush) and create a drainage system - in this case, flowering will come earlier;
• maintain the acid-base balance of the soil. With alkaline - more peat is introduced. With acid - lime or dolomite flour, at the rate of 5 kg per 1 sq. m.

Landing before winter

This is one of the most simple options, which is very popular with both beginners and more experienced flower growers. A clear advantage is that no subsequent planting of seedlings is required. And the place in the house is better to use for more heat-loving plants.

Seeds should be planted towards the end of October. In this case, the lupine will not have time to germinate. The planting depth is no more than 2-2.3 cm. Top must be mulched with peat, at the rate of 5 kg per square meter. As with growing at home, it is recommended to adhere to optimal distance between seeds - at least 30 cm.

Some sources recommend planting two beans in one hole, but this is not a prerequisite. Since lupine is unpretentious, in the case of some seeds that have not sprouted, it will be easier to transplant.

How to care

Caring for lupine does not require any specialized knowledge - it is good plant for beginners and those who cannot regularly look after flowers:

• gently loosen the ground regularly and make sure that it is not exposed root system. Especially it concerns biennial plants, which starts active growth lateral roots;
• in the first year, remove the weeds, in the future, the lupine itself will perfectly drown them out;
• high humidity is required only during the period of bud formation, otherwise the volume and regularity of watering are individual and directly depend on climatic conditions, planting period and lupine variety;
• be sure to cover the plant for the winter.

To increase the flowering time, wilting shoots should be removed in time, which will also help prevent self-seeding of lupine.

Despite the rather long lifespan of (perennial) lupins, it is recommended to remove them completely after 4 years.

Review of the best varieties of perennial lupins

Despite the fact that not so many types of lupine have been cultivated, the choice of varieties and hybrids, which means shapes and colors, is quite large.

The opinions of flower growers and farmers are similar - the most popular annual species are white and yellow lupins. They are good sederats, unpretentious in care, not so prone to disease.

For example, Degas, which is a variety of white lupine, is very much appreciated for its good yield, resistance to Fusarium. He is not afraid of overstaying and calmly tolerates excess moisture. And thanks to its small growth, about 90 cm, it is resistant to lodging.

In fact, many flower growers prefer undersized lupins. Varieties with a height of no more than 50 cm are very popular. For example, Minaret, which has a huge selection of color forms. Or Pink Fairy having a very pleasant aroma.

If you are interested in breeding this beautiful plant, then we advise you to turn to other varieties that are rare in our country. For example, small (up to 40 cm) arctic lupine, the flowers of which have different shades blue color. Or changeable lupine, with a long flowering period (about two months) and changeable color (lilac petals gradually change to dark red).

Lupine in joint plantings and its use in landscape design

Due to the fact that the plant gets along well with others, you can come up with a large number of color options. If the lupine is planted in a row, then in the foreground they will look good,.

By planting a couple of perennials nearby, for example, or a bell, you can achieve interesting transitions of a blue hue. And when using cosmea and lupine Schloss Frau, all neighbors will pay attention to the pale pink cloud.

pink lupine

The first varieties of garden lupins were bred by British gardeners, it is not surprising that lupine looks great in gardens in English style. Its slightly casual look, giving the impression of a natural meadow, goes well with rough brickwork and heavy shades of a typical English landscape.

Garden in the English style

Lupins in front of an English style house

Very often used to decorate backyards.

Pink lupins in the garden

It can also be good for creating a garden in an abandoned romantic style.

Lupines in the garden in a romantic style

At the same time, its inflorescences, similar to candles, can look solemn and noble, and are appropriate next to well-groomed paths, lawns, flower beds, hedges, stone borders. In this case, sparse plantings in one or two shades (white, yellow, wine, red lupine) are good, where the beauty of each individual flower is clearly visible.

White, pink and lilac lupins as an accent next to a stone path

Red lupine goes well with clipped hedges and arches.

White lupins in a mikborder where main focus that sets the mood and softens the aggressive beauty of lupins - delicate pale pink poppies.

Very handy for creating borders.

Dark red lupine in the border

A mauve border with lupins, roses, clematis and hardy geraniums at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, near Cranbrook, Kent.

A border of lupins enlivens the monotonous line of the fence.

Powerful lupins successfully replace the curb of shrubs.

Red lupins create a series of vertical bright lines that beautifully interrupt a solid wall of greenery or buildings. It is very convenient to enliven the landscape near the walls of fences, houses.

Red lupins as the only source of bright colors along old wall. Without them, the landscape would be dull.

The rich red color blends harmoniously with the mature green of the leaves and grass.

Red lupins look great in coniferous compositions.

Another option for using red lupins.

May look good in single landings. A lush bush of dense foliage crowned with candelabra will successfully replace any other shrub.

Lupine burgundy in single plantings

A mix of lupins planted as the only bright spot against a background of greenery

They are successfully used in mixborders and here the imagination is not limited. The only rule is that lupins require space. They are bright, noticeable, they must be balanced with other powerful plants.

A complex composition, a little fragmented, but lupins give dynamics.

Thanks to the colorfulness of lupins, you can create bright and sometimes unusual color accents.

White-yellow lupine sets off the dark deep green of the needles.

White and light yellow lupins slightly dilute the contrasting combination of bright yellow and bright blue flowers.

Spring color combination: lilac-pink-lilac lupins.

Autumn landscape: rich yellow, burgundy, red, orange shades of lupins.

Vertical lines of multicolored lupins unite flashes of bright poppy heads.

Lupine is amazingly combined with wisteria, the only pity is that in middle lane Russian wisteria does not grow (although there is evidence that they began to withdraw winter-hardy varieties glycine). Pictured below is the famous Kawachi Fuji Garden in Japan.

Wisteria and lupins at Kawachi Fuji Gardens, Japan

Diseases, pests, seed collection

About some moments of caring for lupine - on the video from the Florist-X blog

Inexperienced gardeners often mistake the wild form of a plant called "wolf bean" for a weed, as it happens to densely fill the area. In Latin, the flower is called Lupinus. The plant brings considerable benefits to the soil, since its roots contain nutrients for the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, substances. Relatively recently, perennial lupins, unpretentious when planting and leaving, filled the gardens with themselves.

The plant can be planted on the soil after the snow melts and the onset of heat. April is the best time for these conditions. Land for planting must be processed in the fall. With this option, flowering occurs the next year.

It is also possible to plant flower seeds in winter. With this option, gardening is best done in October. In the spring, the sprouts will sprout, and the lupins will bloom in the summer.

You can plant a plant in various ways:

• seeds;
• seedlings;
• cuttings.

Plots for lupins choose light, spacious. Hillocks suit them well.

Planting in open ground with seeds

Planting flowers is traditionally carried out in autumn or spring.

In October or April, sowing takes place in open ground. The distance between future plants should be from 30 to 50 cm. Holes are made at a depth of 3-4 cm if the soil is sandy, or 2-3 cm if it is heavy. Seed sprouts appear as soon as the soil warms up to 3 degrees. Seedlings of plants are able to withstand short frosts down to -4 Co. Bloom, with this method of planting, lupins will begin next year.

At autumn sowing, the plants will show themselves in all their glory in the summer. Before winter, the seeds will not have time to germinate, but they will ripen perfectly in the cold season. In autumn, lupins should be planted to a depth of 2 cm and sprinkled (mulched) with peat on top. Watering them is not worth it.

Growing seedlings

The seedling method requires preparation. It is necessary to make a mixture of soil from one share of peat, one share of soddy land and half a share of sand. Before sowing, the seeds can be mixed with the crushed roots of old flowers to promote the growth of nitrogen-absorbing bacteria. After a couple of weeks, sprouts appear.

Please note that when planting lupins with seedlings or when sowing seeds, predominantly flowers grow in predominantly purple or pink colors, and the white color will most likely not show itself.

As soon as the plant has formed 5-6 leaves, it must be moved to open ground, since it has a tap root system and, with more late boarding takes root worse. The soil is loosened before planting, if desired, fertilized with organic matter. The distance between the seedling bushes is 30-50 cm.

Reproduction by cuttings

Another method suitable for propagating lupins is vegetative. It is he who allows you to save the color scheme of the plant. Bushes that are 3-4 years old are excellent for this purpose, since those that are older have too long roots and young buds no longer form.

In the spring, a basal rosette is cut out from the lupine variety you like, appearing at the base of the stem. AT summer time(after flowering) lateral shoots formed in the axils of the leaves are suitable for cuttings. The roots of new plants planted in sandy soil somewhere in the shade appear by the end of the first month. After that, the lupine is transplanted to a permanent place and it can bloom in the first year.

Proper care of perennial lupins

Plants please beautiful flowers variety of shades, if taken care of.

Soil and lighting requirements

Land for lupins should be loose and fresh.

Plants in general are not demanding, but feel great in such soil:

• Slightly alkaline loamy or sandy loam;
• Slightly sour.

When the earth is strongly acidic, lupins become weak, pale, and cease to bloom. If there is an excess of alkali in the soil, then the plant begins to hurt. To avoid this, the earth is watered with a weak acid solution or peat is mixed in (5 kg per 1 m2).

Lighting flowers should be enough. It is recommended to plant lupins in bright sunny areas. It is best to choose the southwest side for plants with a light openwork shadow from the trees. With this placement, the flowers do not get sunburn during the summer heat.

Watering and fertilizing

The perennial lupine flower, despite its drought resistance, loves moderate watering, especially at a time when buds are forming and flowering is in progress. A sufficient amount of water must be provided to the plant in the first year of life, since the formation of the root system is in progress.

Lupins need fertilizer. Traditionally used:

• Potassium-phosphorus (for the soil around the bush in the first year of growth in early autumn);
• Complex mineral (in the spring in the second year of life).

Interestingly, lupine itself can be used as a fertilizer.

Loosening and weeding the soil on the site

For better penetration oxygen to the roots of the plant, the soil around must be well loosened. This is true for adult lupine, and when planting seeds, seedlings or cuttings. Under the bush, it is necessary to periodically pour the earth, as the root neck becomes exposed over time. You need to loosen the soil after rain. Weeding allows you to provide enough space for the development of a garden plant.

Care after flowering

Around mid-autumn, lupins fade. After that, it is necessary to cut off their flower stalks and foliage, collect seeds, if necessary. Thorough pruning of heavily overgrown bushes in early autumn can lead to their re-blooming.

Perennial plants spud to cover the root neck, which becomes exposed over time. So that the lupine does not freeze in winter, it is sprinkled with sawdust or peat. After the plant has faded, cuttings can be taken from it for planting.

Support for tall lupins

A tall plant can suffer during strong winds or bend under the weight of flowers and leaves, since its stem is quite fragile. To avoid this, lupine must be tied up. For this, any support is suitable, for example, a thin peg or pole. The tie should not be too tight.

When to collect and how to store lupine seeds?

Lupine seeds are harvested different time. It depends on the degree of ripeness of the fruit. As soon as the pod ripens, it cracks and the beans scatter in different directions. This moment must be anticipated. Therefore, the pods are harvested when they turn yellow and begin to dry out. The collection is selective, in several visits.

How to prepare bushes of perennial lupins for winter?

The plant is winter-hardy, but still needs protection. In order for the lupine not to suffer in the cold, it must be cut short, it is not necessary to cover, but it is possible. The flower is able to endure frosts down to -8 Co.

Lupine: diseases and pests

The plant can be affected by a disease or pests can attack it.

Spraying with insecticides can save lupins from:

• Aphids during the formation of buds;
• Germ fly larvae;
• Nodule weevils.

Among the diseases dangerous to the plant, it is worth noting:

• Rot (root, gray);
• Blackish, bacterial or brown spotting;
• Phomopsis, or drying of the stems;
• rust;
• Fusarium wilt;
• Mosaic.

To avoid misfortune, it is worth adhering to agrotechnical requirements and crop rotation rules. The best predecessors for lupine are cereals. And plant flowering plant on the site you can re-plant three years after the previous planting. Spatial isolation (up to 1 km) between lupine and other legumes must also be observed. Weed control helps to prevent disease thorough cleaning and drying seeds before sowing.

Seed propagation in the garden strawberry familiar to us, unfortunately, leads to the appearance of less productive plants and weaker bushes. But another type of these sweet berries - alpine strawberries, can be successfully grown from seeds. Let's learn about the main advantages and disadvantages of this crop, consider the main varieties and features of agricultural technology. The information presented in this article will help you decide whether it is worth giving her a place in the berry.

Often at the sight beautiful flower we instinctively bend down to smell its fragrance. All fragrant flowers can be divided into two large groups: nocturnal (pollinated by night butterflies) and diurnal, whose pollinators are mainly bees. Both groups of plants are important for the grower and designer, because we often walk in the garden during the day and relax in our favorite corners with the onset of the evening. We are never put off by the fragrance of our favorite fragrant flowers.

Pumpkin is considered by many gardeners to be the queen of the beds. And not only because of its size, variety of shapes and colors, but also for excellent taste, useful qualities and a rich harvest. Pumpkin contains a large amount of carotene, iron, various vitamins and minerals. Thanks to the opportunity long-term storage this vegetable keeps us healthy all year round. If you decide to plant a pumpkin on your site, you will be interested to know how to get the largest possible harvest.

Scotch eggs are amazing! Try to cook this dish at home, there is nothing difficult to prepare. Scotch eggs are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in chopped meat breaded in flour, egg and breadcrumbs and deep fried. For frying, you need a frying pan with a high rim, and if you have a deep fryer, then it's just great - even less hassle. You will also need deep-frying oil so as not to smoke the kitchen. Choose farm eggs for this recipe.

One of the most amazing large-flowered tub cubanola Dominican fully justifies the status of a tropical miracle. Heat-loving, slow-growing, with huge and in many ways unique bells of flowers, cubanola is a fragrant star with a difficult character. It requires special conditions in the rooms. But for those who are looking for exclusive plants for their interior, the best (and more chocolatey) candidate for the role of indoor giant cannot be found.

Chickpea Curry with Meat is a hearty hot dish for lunch or dinner inspired by Indian cuisine. This curry is quick to prepare but requires pre-preparation. Chickpeas need to be pre-soaked in large quantities cold water for several hours, preferably at night, the water can be changed several times. It is also better to leave the meat in the marinade overnight so that it turns out juicy and tender. Then you should boil the chickpeas until tender and then cook the curry according to the recipe.

Rhubarb can not be found in every garden plot. It's a pity. This plant is a storehouse of vitamins and can be widely used in cooking. What is not prepared from rhubarb: soups and cabbage soup, salads, delicious jam, kvass, compotes and juices, candied fruits and marmalade, and even wine. But that's not all! A large green or red rosette of plant leaves, reminiscent of burdock, acts as a beautiful backdrop for annuals. Not surprisingly, rhubarb can also be seen in flower beds.

Today, experiments with non-banal combinations and non-standard colors in the garden are in trend. For example, plants with black inflorescences have become very fashionable. All black flowers are original and specific, and it is important for them to be able to select suitable partners and location. Therefore, this article will not only introduce you to the range of plants with slate-black inflorescences, but also teach you the intricacies of using such mystical plants in garden design.

3 delicious sandwiches - cucumber sandwich, chicken sandwich, cabbage and meat sandwich - a great idea for a quick snack or for a picnic in nature. Only fresh vegetables, juicy chicken and cream cheese and a little spice. There are no onions in these sandwiches, you can add marinated in balsamic vinegar an onion in any of the sandwiches, it will not spoil the taste. Having quickly prepared snacks, it remains to collect a picnic basket and go to the nearest green lawn.

Depending on the variety group, the age of seedlings suitable for planting in open ground is: for early tomatoes- 45-50 days, medium terms of ripening - 55-60 and late terms - not less than 70 days. When planting seedlings of tomatoes at a younger age, the period of its adaptation to new conditions is significantly extended. But success in obtaining a high-quality crop of tomatoes also depends on the careful implementation of the basic rules for planting seedlings in open ground.

Unpretentious plants of the "second plan" sansevieria do not seem boring to those who appreciate minimalism. They are better than other indoor decorative foliage stars for collections that require minimal maintenance. Stable decorative effect and extreme endurance of only one type of sansevieria are also combined with compactness and very fast growth - Khan's rosette sansevieria. The squat rosettes of their stiff leaves create striking clusters and patterns.

One of the brightest months garden calendar pleasantly surprises with the balance of the distribution of favorable and unsuccessful days for working with plants according to lunar calendar. Gardening and gardening in June can be done throughout the month, while the unfavorable periods are very short and still allow you to do useful work. There will be their optimal days for sowing with plantings, and for pruning, and for a pond, and even for construction work.

Meat with mushrooms in a pan is an inexpensive hot dish that is suitable for a regular lunch and for a festive menu. Pork cooks quickly, veal and chicken too, so this meat is preferred for the recipe. Mushrooms - fresh champignons, in my opinion, the most good choice for homemade stew. Forest gold - mushrooms, boletus and other goodies are best harvested for the winter. Boiled rice or mashed potatoes are ideal as a side dish.

I love ornamental shrubs, especially unpretentious and with an interesting, non-trivial foliage color. I have different Japanese spireas, Thunberg barberries, black elderberry ... And there is one special shrub that I will talk about in this article - the viburnum vesicle. For the realization of my dream of a low maintenance garden, it is perhaps the perfect fit. At the same time, it is able to diversify the picture in the garden very much, moreover, from spring to autumn.

Lupine flowers have been cultivated since time immemorial. AT ancient egypt, Greece and Rome, these plants were used as a food supplement and for medicinal purposes. The name of the flower comes from the Latin “lupus”, which means wolf. There is a legend that says that witches used lupine inflorescences to make a magical potion. By drinking it, one could turn into a wolf.

Varieties of perennial lupine are extremely diverse. Thanks to hybridization, the color of the flowers of its inflorescences can be not only monochromatic, but also contrasting two-color. Perennial lupins are grown in separate picturesque groups of free form. They can also be the center of a flower bed or the backdrop of a flower border at the entrance to the house.

When to plant perennial lupine and is it possible to grow lupins from seeds?

During the autumn planting of lupins, its seeds are sown in the soil. Plants will bloom only in the second year. spring planting make seedlings. Already in August, strengthened lupins can give the first flower inflorescences. Mature plants do not like transplants. Their root system is quite powerful - the roots go deep into the ground. Therefore, perennial lupine should be planted in a permanent place at a distance of at least 40 cm from each other. For the same reason, it is not possible to grow lupins in flowerpots.

Perennial lupine practically does not need care. This is an extremely unpretentious plant - it can grow both in the shade and in the sun. True, in order for the flowering of plants to be the most lush, it is better to plant perennial lupine in light partial shade in sufficiently moistened soil. This requires careful protection of plants from the wind. Its gusts can easily break fragile stems blooming lupins.

Lupins are wonderful neighbors, getting along with all plants. Compositions made up of light-colored lupins and hostas or milky bells look colorful. In the borders and ridges, combinations with phlox in the background and irises in the foreground are interesting. The neighborhood of lupins with chrysanthemums, peonies and ground cover chamomile looks good. All summer you will enjoy the combination of flowering lupins, knifoffia and gladioli.

Lupine perennial after heavy pruning quickly restores green mass. This ability can be successfully used. In June, remove the fading inflorescences, and the lupine will bloom in August or September for the second time this summer.

Well, a few more words about the benefits of growing lupins in the country. This plant is green manure, i.e. able to improve soil fertility and thereby promote growth and development not only for itself, but also for its neighbors. Perennial lupins have special nodule growths on their roots that produce nitrogen, enriching the earth. In addition, green manure reduces the acidity of the soil, loosens it and increases the moisture capacity.

The most unpretentious and frost-resistant. It even settled in the south of the taiga zone of our country. FROM early XIX centuries, many varieties have been bred, I will focus on the most interesting ones. Carmineus, Roseus- have red or pink flowers, peduncles 100-110 cm high Albus - the name speaks for itself: snow-white inflorescences rise to a height of more than 1 meter.

The Rubinkönig variety is interesting for its ruby-purple flowers; height - up to 110 cm. There is a large group of varieties with different-colored (two-color) flowers: Abendglut, Splendid- as a rule, the dark lower half of the flower and the light upper half (the so-called sail). A low-growing Minaret variety with a plant height of up to 50 cm has recently been bred - you must agree, an interesting solution!

Lulu - the most "early" mixture of varieties among perennial lupins. When sown in open ground in April, it blooms in 13-15 weeks. Seasonal annuals include dwarf lupine (Lupinus nanus), changeable lupine (Lupinus mutabilis var. cruckshanksii) and Hartweg's lupine (L. hartwegii), as well as their hybrids. The highest and them - changeable lupine(up to 1 m), the other two do not grow above 60 cm. Medium-sized flowers are collected in dense spike-shaped inflorescences. The color of flowers is very diverse, as in perennial species- white, red, blue, yellow, multicolor.

Of the variety of varieties, one can distinguish the dwarf lupine Pink Fairy - pale pink inflorescences with pleasant aroma(!) which is unusual for lupins; grows up to 60 cm. I draw your attention to the fact that lupine is an excellent predecessor of various vegetable crops, in particular, potatoes. It prepares the soil well, enriching it with nitrogen. So you can set up a magnificent flower garden on a potato field, combining business with pleasure.

Reproduction and planting of lupins

Lupine is propagated by seeds or vegetatively by cuttings.

Reproduction by seeds

Seeds can be sown in April. By the way, lupine seeds remain viable for up to 5 years. But you can also sow them in the winter: in October - early November, the seeds are sown in open ground, sprinkled with a layer of peat on top. In the spring, the seeds will begin to grow, in early August you can see the first flowers. When planting with seeds, when planting lupins in a permanent place in the flower garden, you need to maintain 30-50 cm between plants.

Also, seeds can be sown as seedlings, and with the onset of spring - sown in a permanent place in the ground. For seedlings, soil is mixed with peat and sand and seeds are sown in it. The soil for planting should be loose, if there is an old plant, you can mix the soil with nodules that are on the roots of an obsolete plant to increase nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Seedlings are watered moderately, and with 3-5 leaves that have appeared, they are planted in open ground after spring frosts have passed.

At seed propagation there is a possibility of changing the color of the lupine. The dominant color will be purple, white is almost lost.

cuttings

The vegetative method consists in cuttings. Renewal buds form at the base of the stems. Having captured part of the root neck, we cut out the renewal bud with a knife and plant it in sandy soil. After about 25 days, young plants will develop roots and can be safely planted in a permanent place.

If planting cuttings in the spring, take the basal rosettes formed at the base of the stem; if in summer, take the lateral shoots formed in the axils of the leaves. The vegetative method is good because you can save the color of lupins.

Lupine Care

In the first year of a plant's life, weeds must be removed and the soil loosened. It is necessary to pour the earth if the basal neck of the plant is exposed. It will not be superfluous to apply mineral fertilizers.

After 2 years of flowering, the plants need to be hilled up so that the lateral roots develop and the plant retains its decorative appearance longer.

After 4-5 years, lupine bushes are removed and new ones are planted, as old plants bloom little and the inflorescences are no longer as lush and decorative as those of a young plant.

The plant is tied up if it grows in windy places. To prolong flowering, faded inflorescences are removed before seeds appear, then in August the plant will bloom again and be able to form seeds before frost. To control spontaneous reproduction, you need to cut the inflorescences after flowering before the formation of seeds.

Water lupins sparingly. Mostly a sunny place and good soil- a pledge of beautiful flowering of your lupins.

Sometimes lupins can be affected by aphids, as well as fungal diseases: rust and powdery mildew. As a result, brown spots appear on the leaves and fruits or white rot at the root of the plant. In this case, you need to cut the diseased bush under the root and remove the diseased parts of the plants. The newly grown shoots are usually healthy. In some cases, digging and liming of the soil is necessary.

Lupine Plant - Interesting Facts

1. The lupine genus includes a wide variety of species. Among them are both annual and perennial. And in terms of size, lupins are divided into shrubs, semi-shrubs and even semi-shrubs.

2. The root system of lupine can reach 1-2 meters in length

3. The area of ​​distribution of lupine is very wide. A flower can grow not only at sea level, but also 4800 meters above it and even higher. Moreover, alpine species themselves sometimes reach 4 meters in height.

4. Most scientists agree that there are about 200 species of this plant.

5. Some types of lupins grow in the deserts of the United States, Chile, Peru and in the oases of the Sahara.

6. The quality of lupine seed oil is close to olive oil and compares favorably with the absence of substances that slow down digestion.

7. Since ancient times, lupine has been of gastronomic interest not only for animals, but also for humans.

8. Nodules of nitrogen-fixing bacteria grow on lupine roots. From one hectare of this picturesque culture, up to 200 kg of nitrogen accumulates in the soil, so the flower is also valued as green manure and an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers

9. In addition to decorative and agricultural purposes, lupine is used in medicine, pharmacology, and also as fish food.

10. Cultivation of lupine began 4 thousand years ago in Egypt, Ancient Greece, Roman Empire. And today in Russia 4 types of plants are used in agriculture.

Application in everyday life

In Australia and some European countries, ground Lupine is added to confectionery and bakery products. In South America, locals finely ground plant seeds are used to prepare favorite first and second courses. In Indonesian and Japanese cuisine, lupine is part of such traditional and beloved dishes as tofu, miso and soy sauce. In Germany, Lupine seeds are used to make low-calorie ice cream. For the inhabitants of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, the fruits of the plant are used no less than corn and potatoes.

Composition and medicinal properties lupine

Interest in Lupine is due to the high content of protein (50%) and oil (up to 20%) in the composition of its seeds. The red-yellow oil from the seeds of the plant contains a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The green mass of Lupine collected in the phase of full flowering contains 2.66% protein, the dried mass of the plant contains 16.52% protein, and in the grains of the plant this substance can reach up to 40%. Lupine seeds contain bitter alkaloids lupanin and lupinin (up to 1.7%).

To date, scientists have proven that Lupine seeds can not only reduce the percentage of cholesterol in the blood, but also treat diabetes. Yellow Lupine seeds contain a special protein (glycoprotein) that can replace insulin. Its beneficial properties can help in the treatment diabetes 2nd type.

Lupine decoctions are used in the treatment and prevention of the occurrence various tumors: acne, ulcers, "pigs" and other indurations on the skin.

Dressings soaked in a decoction of the seeds of the plant help with acute disease of the sciatic nerve and inflammatory processes in the joints.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are part of the oil extracted from the seeds of Lupine, are very useful for people with cardiovascular diseases. At the moment, the production of this product is put on stream and has an exclusively research character.

Oil from the seeds of the flower has a strong antioxidant effect and is widely used in cosmetology.

Lupine flour mixtures help against prickly heat, malignant ulcers and soothe the pain of boils.

Lupine is a herbaceous perennial, beautiful large flower from the legume family. The popular name is wolf beans, because, unlike relatives, such as beans or peas, the fruits of many types of lupine are poisonous. The plant is interesting not only for its decorative qualities - it has value as green manure and fodder crop. Planting lupine is not difficult, caring for it is simple, growing it in open ground does not take much time.

Species and varieties

Of the more than 200 known species in Russia, no more than a dozen are cultivated, characterized by an extensive color range of flowers.

1. L. arborescens is a native of North America. Shoots are branched, straight, up to 2 m high. The flowers are white, yellow, red.
2. L. white comes from the Mediterranean countries. An annual, self-pollinating species. Straight pubescent stems about 2 m tall, white flowers. The plant is resistant to drought and heat. Grown as an annual.
3. L. yellow is a heat-loving annual. The flowers have a strong pleasant aroma.
4. L. dwarf forms compact dense bushes, easily and quickly takes root. The color of the flowers is deep blue with yellow spots. In cold climates, it is grown as an annual.
5. L. multi-leaved - a native of North America. Reaches a height of one and a half meters, the flowers are painted in shades of blue, purple, white, there are two-tone. Frost-resistant look, suitable for growing in regions with severe winters.
6. L. angustifolia (blue) grows up to 1.5 m. Large, odorless flowers are painted with lilac, pink or white shades. Annual, considered one of the best green manure.
7. L. Russell (Russel)- a line of varieties and hybrids, bred on the basis of the developments of the English breeder George Russell. They are distinguished by high decorativeness, combined with the natural qualities of the family.
8. L. Hartwega is a compact annual plant, up to 60 cm high, the inflorescence shape is cylindrical.

Popular varieties of lupins:

• My Castel - blooms in early summer, height is about half a meter, the length of the flower brush is 35 cm, the flowers are red;
• Faust with flowers of various colors, height up to 80 cm, blooms in early summer;
• The Governor, flowers are white and blue, the length of the flower brush is about 30 cm;
• Abengludt, meter high, inflorescence length 40 cm, dark red flowers rich color, frost-resistant;
• Minarette is about half a meter high, has a variety of colors, begins to bloom in June;
• Neue Spielarten grows up to 1.5 m, the length of orange-pink brushes is about 40 cm;
• Prinzess Juliana is similar to the previous variety, but the flowers are pink and white.

Perennial varieties whose flowering falls in the middle of summer are able to bloom again. To do this, faded brushes are immediately cut off.

Growing lupins in open ground

The cultivation technology is simple, it only requires compliance with the rules of agricultural technology available to any gardener.

The flower grows well and blooms in open sunny or semi-shaded flower beds.

For planting lupins, areas where legumes or cereals previously grew are unsuitable. Flowers are not planted next to cruciferous ones - they have the same diseases and pests.

Perennial lupins grow without pretensions on any soil, but loose, well-drained loam, neutral, slightly alkaline or slightly acidic, will be optimal for them. If at the selected site the soil acidity index does not correspond to the required one, corrective additives are introduced in the fall (5 kg / sq. M each):

• for leaching - peat;
• for deoxidation - dolomite or lime flour.

When to plant?

Growing from seed provides seedling method and direct sowing of seeds in open ground. The first option is recommended for use in regions with a short summer, the second is suitable for the southern regions.

In accordance with the selected planting option, the timing of sowing seeds is determined:

• seedlings are sown in late February - early March;
• in open ground - in April, guided by weather conditions.

Growing seedlings

The process requires strict adherence to the following rules.

1. The substrate for seeds is made up of sand, peat and sod land in equal proportions.
   

   The addition of crushed dry nodules of lupine to the soil mixture accelerates the emergence of seedlings.

2. Seeds are pre-soaked with "Fundazol" (50%) - the procedure accelerates germination and at the same time protects against damage by fungal diseases.
3. The seedling container should be deep, with drainage holes. It is advisable to sow the seeds in separate cups so that the root system does not suffer during transplantation.
4. The soil mixture is poured into seedling containers, moistened and grooves are made 1.5-2 cm deep. The seeds are laid out and sprinkled with a substrate, the container is covered with polyethylene or glass.
5. Crops are kept in a warm place. If this is not possible, it is recommended to mulch them with a layer of peat.
6. Water as the top layer of the substrate dries. After the second watering, regular loosening of the soil begins. Loosen carefully so as not to disturb the seeds.
7. Crops are aired daily.

Seedlings appear in 2-3 weeks, seedlings are planted in flower beds in 20-25 days, when 2-3 strong true leaves are formed. Overexposure of seedlings is undesirable: the root system develops very quickly, overgrown seedlings are much more difficult to plant.

Direct seed sowing

Land for direct sowing is prepared in the fall - they dig up, add deoxidizing or alkalizing additives, superphosphate and ash.

In the spring, holes or grooves up to 2 cm deep are dug for seeds, seeds soaked with "Fundazol" are scattered and sprinkled with soil.

The optimal sowing time is April, the first half of the month for the south, the second for a temperate climate.

Winter sowing is also practiced, it is carried out in the second half of October. Crops are mulched with a 2-centimeter layer of peat. Flowering will come in the first year, tentatively expected in August.

Seeds are also sown in the summer, following the described technology.

How to plant lupine seedlings?

grown up strong seedlings planted when the final heat is established. Holes are dug to size. earthy coma. Picking is carried out carefully so as not to damage the roots.

Seedlings are placed at intervals from 35 cm (for short and compact cultivars) to 50 cm (for tall and sprawling).

Weak, poorly growing seedlings are not planted in flower beds: they have few chances, they are given a lot of space. They are either thrown away, or they find a semi-shaded place under fruit trees.

Lupine care in the open field

Lupine is considered an unpretentious plant. In order for it to develop successfully and bloom regularly, follow the general rules of care.

• Loosening the soil and removing weeds are especially relevant in the first year, when the root system is formed in young bushes.
• The frequency and abundance of watering depend on the variety and composition of the land. General rule – abundant watering it takes the first month or two after planting and during the formation of buds. Water is preferably rainwater, tap water is defended for at least a day.
• Watch the root part of the plant. If she is naked, pour the earth. From the second year, lupins are spudded to stimulate the growth of lateral roots. The flower will be strong, healthy, actively blooming.
• Tall bushes may need a garter if they grow in a place blown by the winds.
• Faded flower stalks are removed in a timely manner. A simple procedure has several goals - preventing self-seeding, preserving the decorativeness of the bush, stimulating re-blooming.
• Preparation for winter includes pruning of flower stalks and old yellowed leaves, hilling, mulching with peat or sawdust.
• If the off-season is characterized by sudden temperature changes, it is advisable to arrange an air-dry shelter; in extreme cases, the plantings are covered with a film covering material.

Update the bushes every 4-5 years, as with age the lupine gradually loses decorative qualities, its ability to form full-fledged peduncles is reduced.

When and what to feed?

In the first year after planting, the plant does not need to be fertilized. Starting from the second year, each spring make:

• superphosphate - 10-20 g / sq. m:
• potassium chloride - 5 g / sq. m.

Complex mineral fertilizers are not recommended because they contain nitrogen, which lupins do not need.

Diseases and pests

Typical diseases - fusarium, brown spot, powdery mildew, gray and brown rot - appear for the following reasons:

• temperature changes;
• lack of lighting;
• waterlogging.

Fungicides are used to counteract. Preventive measure- timely application of mineral supplements - superphosphate and potassium salt.

Insect pests of lupine - aphids, sprout flies, especially annoying during the formation of buds. To combat them, insecticides are used, for example, Aktara.

As a preventive measure for diseases and pest attacks, they monitor the irrigation regime, regularly remove wilted leaves. Damaged parts of plants are cut and destroyed in a timely manner.

Reproduction methods

For lupine, the main methods of reproduction are used - generative (by seeds) and vegetative (cuttings, dividing the bush).

seed method

Seeds are harvested in autumn, after repeated flowering they have time to mature. In varieties, blooming times per season, leave one peduncle.

A mature seed pod (pod) is colored yellow.

You should not wait until the seeds ripen on the vine - lupine easily propagates by self-sowing, bean seeds can scatter over the area from a gust of wind and get enough sleep from the rain.

Harvest the pods when they start to turn yellow. Without opening, they are folded into bags, leaving free access to air. Ripened seeds themselves will fall out of the pods. After that, the valves are removed, the seeds are stored in a dry, dark place.

When collecting seeds, it should be taken into account that lupins are pollinated and the probability of complete inheritance of parental qualities in new plants is low.

cuttings

The method is good because young plants completely repeat the mother ones.

For spring cuttings, a basal rosette is taken at the base of the stem. It is cut off with a piece of the root neck. In the summer, side shoots are used for cuttings, which form in the axils of the leaves. The procedure is carried out at the end of flowering.

Cuttings are planted in a soil mixture with a high content of sand in a shady area. The first roots grow in 20-25 days - after that the cuttings are ready for planting in a permanent place.

Flowering of lupins grown from cuttings occurs in the current season.

The division of the bush

The method is suitable only for shrub forms. Lateral shoots are separated from a 4–5-year-old bush.

The use of lupins as green manure

Features of lupine that allow it to be used as green manure:

• the root system, going to a depth of 2 m, absorbs monohydrophosphates and lifts them into the upper layers of the soil, without impoverishing the sod layer;
• a developed root system preserves the friability of the soil, saturates with oxygen;
• alkaloids contained in lupins contribute to soil deoxidation and repel many pests;
• like all legumes, lupine saturates the soil with nitrogen, taking it directly from the atmosphere.

To improve the soil, annual lupins are planted - white, yellow, narrow-leaved (blue). The same species contribute to the removal of wireworm settlements.

Lupine varieties suitable for soil improvement:

• Degas, Gamma - white lupine;
• Crystal, Change, Siderat 38 - blue lupine;
• Torch, Peresvet, Grodno 3 - yellow.

Sowing green manure is carried out in early spring or autumn, after harvesting. The beds are previously freed from weeds and residues cultivated plants. The distance between plants is maintained by the following:

• row spacing - 15-30 cm;
• in a row - 5-15 cm;
• groove depth - 2-3 cm.

Plantings are mowed and plant residues are embedded in the soil after 8 weeks.

Multi-colored lupins are easy to plant, they do not require special care. With minimal intervention from the gardener, the flowers decorate for a long time. garden plot candles-inflorescences, pleasing to the eye and attracting bees.