Annual lupin grown widely as a grain crop in Western Australia and as a cool-season cover crop elsewhere. Modern "sweet" cultivars are low-alkaloid and edible.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −40 °C to −1.1 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–9 | −34 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 1–5 | −15 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Lupin — Blue (Narrow-leaf) doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Bitter (high-alkaloid) cultivars and wild types contain toxic quinolizidine alkaloids — only sweet (low-alkaloid) cultivars are safe to eat
- Major Australian export grain crop — Western Australia produces the bulk of the world supply
- Deep taproot breaks compacted soil pans
Pet caution: Lupin — Blue (Narrow-leaf) is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Lupin — Blue (Narrow-leaf) against your zones