We, the seeds of Lupinus texensis, require a specific set of conditions to break our hard outer coats, a process known as scarification. In our natural habitat, this is achieved by the abrasive soil and weathering over the summer. For you, this can be mimicked by gently rubbing us with sandpaper or nicking our coats with a knife. Following this, we require a period of cold, moist stratification. Planting us in the fall, as the soil temperatures drop below 70°F (21°C), is ideal. The winter cold and moisture naturally prepare us for germination. We absolutely will not sprout if planted in the spring; we perceive the warming temperatures as a signal that the harsh summer is approaching, a time too stressful for our seedlings to establish.
We are not fussy plants, but we are particular about our foundation. We thrive in well-draining soil. Heavy, clay-based soils that remain waterlogged will cause our roots to rot and succumb to fungal diseases. A sandy or loamy soil is perfect. Most importantly, we demand full sun, which we define as a minimum of 8-10 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. We use this abundant solar energy to produce the sugars that fuel our growth and, most spectacularly, our vibrant blue blooms. Shade makes us leggy, weak, and unlikely to produce our characteristic flower spikes. We are also adapted to alkaline soils, so there is no need to amend the pH for our sake.
Beneath the soil, we develop a strong, deep taproot. This central root is our anchor and our survival tool, allowing us to reach water reserves deep in the ground that other plants cannot access. This makes us exceptionally drought-tolerant once established. After germination, we require consistent moisture to help our seedlings grow. However, once our true leaves appear and we begin to mature, we prefer to be left alone. Overwatering is detrimental to our health. A deep, infrequent watering during periods of extreme drought is more than sufficient. Our philosophy is: when in doubt, it is better to underwater us than to overwater.
Our life is an annual cycle perfectly synchronized with the Texas climate. We germinate in the fall, developing a rosette of leaves that hugs the ground throughout the winter. This low-growing form helps us conserve energy and avoid the worst of the freezing temperatures. As the days begin to lengthen and warm in late winter and early spring, we rapidly shoot up our flower stalks. We bloom from March to May, attracting bees and other pollinators to ensure the next generation. After pollination, we produce seed pods that dry and eventually twist open, launching our seeds several feet away from the parent plant. With our seeds dispersed, our life cycle is complete, and we die, leaving behind a deposit of nitrogen in the soil to benefit other plants.
