Lupinus luteus aka Annual Yellow Lupin

Taxonomy

Lupinus luteus, also known as annual yellow-lupin, European yellow lupin, or yellow lupin, is a useful plant that is native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe. It is an annual that grows up to 0.6m tall and 0.3m wide, and is hardy to zone 6. It blooms from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The plant is hermaphrodite and pollinated by bees. It can fix nitrogen and is suitable for growth in light and medium soils, including those that are nutritionally poor and very acidic. However, it cannot grow well in shade and prefers moist soil. Lupinus luteus is found in wild populations throughout the coastal areas of the western part of the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria, as well as on the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, and in Southern Italy. It may also have turned wild in Israel and Lebanon. The plant has been cultivated in Northern Europe and the CIS, as well as in Western Australia and South Africa, and has turned wild in southern France and on Madeira. There are 18 varieties, 4 subvarieties, and 6 forms of Lupinus luteus, which are distinguished by their corolla color, carina edge, vegetative organs, and seeds. The plant's yellow seeds, known as lupin beans, were once a common food of the Mediterranean basin and Latin America, and are now primarily eaten as a pickled snack food. European Yellow Lupine is a rare houseplant that belongs to the Lupinus genus and is native to Europe. It thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light, and prefers soil that is well-draining. Repotting the plant each time it doubles in size should provide enough nutrients without the need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Annual Yellow Lupin, Yellow Lupine, European Yellow Lupine

How to care for Annual Yellow Lupin

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Annual Yellow Lupin due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Annual Yellow Lupin should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Annual Yellow Lupin loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Annual Yellow Lupin thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your European Yellow Lupine.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Annual Yellow Lupin should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Annual Yellow Lupin’s native range is Europe - Italy and the Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia