Lupins

[malagabob]

Bought a few packets of sprouting Lupin roots from a discount store. They are sold in cellophane packs with a small amount of dry compost.
Would it be OK to pot them up and leave in an unseated greenhouse
My knowledge of plants sold this way is they dry out and die after a few weeks.TIA

[Marshwarble]

Dennis Moore and the lupins...

[Chipchopper]

Yes, Bob. I think that's what I would do.

Just keep them frost free and the compost just slightly damp and that should be enough to keep them ticking over, unto spring for planting out

[Marshwarble]

It is better to refrigerate them until March/April. http://www.growsonyou.com/question/show/3098--perennial-lupin-seeds

[Chipchopper]

Ok, seeds maybe, Marshwarbler, a period of stratification can be useful in breaking seed dormancy with some species.

Malagabob, is referring to roots though.

[alavahalf]

As far as I.I'm aware you are already too late if you are hoping for flowers this year. I would get a reasonable amount of seeding compost in a seed tray. Scatter your seed over it , water it and cover it with a bit of cling film. Sit it on a south facing windows sill until germination takes place. Don't over water as the condensation created will be sufficient. When the seedling are through remove the cling film and don't let the compost dry out. When the seedlings are big enough to handle, I would pot them on into 3" pots. When all signs of frost have passed, harden them off by putting them outside for a few hours each day.
Plant them out when they are 5-6" tall. If any flowers heads arrive, just cut them off..Starting them as late as this means you will be getting stronger flowers next year.
My wife started some from seed last September, she now has around 50 or more, ranging from 2-4" tall. They are indoors in pots.

[Chipchopper]

These packs of sprouting roots can look a bit sad when you get them home, but as I say, a bit of TLC can go a long way.

When you think its safe to plant them out in their permanent positions in the spring, I find a good layer of mulch will help them get established quicker.