Overview
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus (Jepson) Eastw. is a species of lupine classified under the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to California, specifically the southern parts of the State.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Kellogg's Spreading Lupine or Kellogg's Speckled Lupine. The latter name comes from the plant's mottled flowers that grow in a spike.
Appearance
The Kellogg's Spreading Lupine is a perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. The plant's leaves are arranged in a spiral-like pattern and are composed of five to nine leaflets. The base of the leaf stalk is elongated and extends beyond the leaflets. The plant's flowers are clustered like a spike and are purple-blue with white speckles.
Uses
The plant has several uses, including being an ornamental plant and a source of food for wildlife. The plant's seeds have been used by various indigenous tribes in California for food and medicine.
Light Requirements
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus (Jepson) Eastw. typically grows best in full sunlight to partial shade, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to California and can withstand a range of temperatures, but generally grows best between 60-75°F (15.5-24°C). Young seedlings are more sensitive to cold temperatures and may need protection if exposed to frost or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus (Jepson) Eastw. prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soils with moderate fertility. It can tolerate mildly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The root system is deep and extensive, so the soil should be loose and deep enough to accommodate it.
Cultivation Methods
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus (Jepson) Eastw. is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers full sun to partial shade. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but requires well-draining soil. It is recommended to sow Lupinus sellulus seeds in late fall or early winter, either directly in the ground or in seed trays. If planting in trays, transplant the seedlings outdoors in early spring, when the soil is warmer and the danger of frost has passed.Watering Needs
Although Lupinus sellulus is drought-tolerant, it still requires regular watering during the growing season. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently. Ideally, the plant should receive one inch of water per week.Fertilization
Lupinus sellulus requires minimal fertilization, as excessive nutrients can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. If the soil is poor, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the early growth stage.Pruning
Lupinus sellulus does not require heavy pruning, but it benefits from deadheading spent flowers to encourage flowering. This can be done as soon as the flowers fade, cutting the stem back to the nearest set of leaves. At the end of the growing season, cut back any dead or yellowing growth to promote healthy growth next season.Propagation of Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus (Jepson) Eastw.
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus (Jepson) Eastw., commonly known as Kellogg's springs lupine, is a plant species native to California. This species can be propagated through both seed and cutting methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Kellogg's springs lupine. Seeds can be collected from mature lupine plants and sown directly into a well-draining soil mix during the fall season. The soil should be moistened and the seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil. Seeds should be maintained at a temperature between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit until they germinate, which can take between 14 to 28 days. Seedlings can be transplanted after they have developed two sets of true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a less common method of propagating Kellogg's springs lupine. Cuttings can be taken from mature lupine plants during the summer season. Cuttings should be approximately four inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. The leaves near the bottom of the stem should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and maintained at a temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit until roots begin to form, which may take between four to six weeks. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus is susceptible to several diseases that can affect plant health and productivity. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Fungal Diseases: Rusts, powdery mildew, and stem blight are common fungal diseases that can affect lupines. Regularly inspect leaves and stems for signs of fungal infection and remove any infected parts. Applying an organic fungicide can also help control fungal diseases.
- Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial blight and Crown gall are bacterial diseases that can affect lupines. Practice proper plant hygiene by removing infected plants and sterilizing tools between cuts. Using copper-based bactericides can also help reduce bacterial diseases.
- Viral Diseases: Lupine mosaic virus and Tomato spotted wilt virus can affect lupines. There is no cure for viral diseases, so it is essential to prevent their spread by using virus-free planting material and controlling insect vectors.
Pest Management
Lupinus sellulus Kellogg ssp. sellulus var. artulus is also vulnerable to several pests that can damage or kill plants. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can suck sap from lupine leaves and stems, causing them to wilt. Regularly inspect plants for aphids and use a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap to control them.
- Cutworms: Cutworms can cut through the stems of young lupine plants at ground level, killing them. Use protective collars around plant stems to prevent cutworm damage.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing and necrosis of lupine leaves by piercing plant cells and extracting their contents. Apply an organic miticide or use a strong stream of water to control spider mites.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can cause distorted growth and discoloration of lupine leaves. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor thrips populations, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
Implementing good gardening practices can also help prevent pest and disease problems. This includes proper irrigation, fertilization, and using disease-resistant plant varieties.
