Historically, lupin alkaloids have been removed from the seed by soaking. Lupins are grown as both a forage and grain legume in the USSR, Poland, Germany, South Africa, and the Mediterranean, and as a cash crop in Australia where they are exported to the European and East Asian feed markets. Adaptation Lupins are best adapted to regions with sandy or sandy loam soils and cool temperatures. Spring-grown white lupins require 100 to 140 days to mature. They are quite tolerant of frosts and can withstand temperatures approaching 16 degrees Fahrenheit in the seedling stage.
High temperatures can reduce growth, increase flower or pod abortion, and reduce yield.
They are not particularly drought tolerant although they have tolerated water stress much better than dry beans or soybeans, and will respond to irrigation. Long, cool springs with sufficient moisture are generally beneficial for lupin followed by dry fall conditions to ensure uniform maturity. A uniform, firm seedbed will maximize emergence. The seedbed should be level and free of depressions to permit uniform depth of seeding. Lupins have been grown successfully with ridge tillage, but the wider rows tend to reduce yields.