I have seen blue lupines growing wild in the NC mts. and finally got one to survive at a 5,000' location, although none of the colored hybrids made it. I would not plant a small seedling outdoors now, however. If nothing else, the heavy snow, sleet, or rains such as we just had would crush it. I lost some of my winter sown "babies" in June when we had two and a half inches of rain in just a few hours.

The books say to scarify seeds or soak overnight; then, plant out in the spring as seedlings are hard to maintain in pots. I put a bunch in a tray last winter and got some germination but did have difficulty moving them out in the garden.

I think ncrescue's right. Keep your seedling in until the weather's warm and then hope you can successfully move it. They are reputed not to like being transplanted.

I've got a few seeds I plan to try to sow this Spring. Just before hand I will "scarify" them -- either rub lightly with sandpaper or pour boiling water over and then soak a day or two (or whatever my books say). Then I'll just put them out where I want them to grow and hope they germinate so I won't have to move them.

Doesn't heat denature the proteins and kill the seeds? I would try simply soaking or scarifying, but if someone else has done the boiling water thing successfully, I'd love to hear more about it.
Martha

I know from experience that boiling water works execelent with honey locust and black locust, and they are legumes just like lupine so i suppose it would work.