FAQ for Lupins

1. Are Lupins easy to grow?
Lupins are very easy to grow and agronomy requirements are cheap and straightforward. Lupins require a normal spring seedbed, little or no fertiliser and very little in the way of sprays. Lupins can be made into silage, crimped, or dry combined. This coupled with rising feed prices, is one of the reasons why we have seen huge expansion in the UK Lupin area over the last few years.

2. What soil types do Lupins like?
Lupins can be grown on all soil types but care should be taken to select the correct Lupin type and variety. Lupins do not like cold or heavy waterlogged soils, therefore good seedbed management is essential and the key to a good crop. Growers on heavy ground should be assured that some of the best yields have been achieved on heavy soils, but seedbeds should be managed closely and drilling delayed if conditions are both cold and wet.

The objective is for Lupins to grow away with some vigour, and sowing should not take place before the recommended date. With regard to soil pH, again, care should be taken to select the correct type and variety. Blue and Yellow Lupins thrive with a pH range of 4.5 - 7.0 White Lupins thrive with a pH range of 5.0 - 7.9.

3. Which is the best kind of Lupin to grow?
This depends on your location and the desired end use for the crop. There are different Lupins for combining and other varieties for wholecrop. Within this, the variety choice will vary depending on which part of the country you are in, your soil type, and soil pH. Above all else, you must choose the correct variety for the job in hand.

Soya UK offer a range of 2 different White, 2 Yellow, and 2 Blue varieties. Read our Lupin varieties and Lupin Selector pages for more information.