[Objective] This study was conducted to reveal seed characteristics, variation and their effects on seedling growth of ornamental lupins. [Method] The phenotypic characteristics and germination rate of the seeds of four excellent lupin pedigrees were measured, and then their correlations with seeding growth were analyzed. [Result] There were abundant variations among the four ornamental lupin pedigrees. Pink seeds had the largest volume and red seeds had the largest 1 000seed weight. The variation coefficients for the seed morphological traits among the four pedigrees ranged from 2.97% to 14.34%. Seed specific weight and 1 000-seed weight could be used as important indicators for selection in breeding because of their higher variability. Seed weight variation of ornamental lupin was mainly depen- dent on seed width variation. There was small variation in seed length. The seeds of the four ornamental lupin pedigrees started to germinate one day after sowing, and the germination period was 5 d. Germination rate coefficient and germination index of pink and red seeds were higher than those of blue seeds, but blue seeds had the largest germination rate. 1 000-seed weight shared significantly positive correlations with seed germination rate, germination potential and seedling retention rate. Round and large seeds had some advantages in germination. Full seeds had higher germination rate and speed, and seedling retention rate. There was a significant relationship between seed length-width ratio and the number of leaflets of seedlings. [Conclusion] The results provided references for the evaluation of seed phenotypic diversity and breeding research of ornamental lupins.
