I have a goal of creating a lupine garden (heat here too) and I started a bunch this past winter, winter sowing. I had HORRIBLE luck transplanting. Almost all the sprouts died. Perhaps I should have left them to grow longer/bigger in the pots, like they sell at nurseries, but the sprouts were suffering in the containers.

I panicked and bought more seeds. These I soaked overnight and directly sowed and they are doing well.

I am now convinced that for the sake of my sanity, I'll direct sow lupine in the fall. I read that they dislike root disturbance.

I tried to grow Morello Cherry, this year, and I probably killed the ones I had. One that bloomed for me this year is dark pink - almost red, and it is/was spectacular. The seeds are almost ready to harvest. It must be perennial because last year it didn't bloom.

Email me if you are interested.

I think lupine seeds are viable for years. Soaking overnight worked really well. New sprouts are everywhere in my garden.

I'll show you a teaser which I grew from seed...

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Lupines always attract butterflies and hummingbirds, are scented, and are great cut flowers. Ar this time of year the vase on my kitchen table is loaded with them. Their lovely perfume fills the room. :O)

As per the seeds, they are viable for quite some time. Some folks will tell you to stratify them, but as long as your soil is kept moist, they will germinate. I'll post a link to some eye candy for you.

Here is a link that might be useful: Post with Lupine pics at Winter Sowing Forum

I have lupines that throw seeds all over one of my beds surrounding the back patio. They usually bloom in May and June and then start seeding for next years crop. By early fall, I see small plants all over, even in the grass.

All my beds are mulched with cedar chips but its never been a problem for these tough plants.

Love the look of that Morello cherry, and will try to find seeds to plant out right now.

Every year is a new color surprise, because it takes two years for them to bloom from seeds.
Pondy