The white lupin is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean region and in Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, Europe, South America, and tropical and southern Africa.

However, the species has wide, intraspecific variability in physiological plant properties; the duration of vernalisation time and growth rate, photoperiodic sensitivity, shape tolerance, drought resistance, and cold- and winter-hardiness.

[4] It is more likely, however, that white lupin was originally introduced into cultivation in ancient Greece, where its greatest biodiversity was concentrated and where wild-growing forms have been preserved until today (ssp.

[5] White lupin dispersed from Greece to adjacent regions and states over time, particularly Egypt and Ancient Rome.

[6] According to Zohary and Hopf, "even today the white lupin is an appreciated food crop and it is still cultivated in some Mediterranean countries—particularly Egypt.

Lupin is known in Arabic as ترمس termes, and the seeds are sold as a popular street snack in Egypt after being soaked and brined.

Since ancient times, white lupin has been widespread in the Mediterranean region and in the Middle East due to its high tolerance for acidic soils and its soil-restoration abilities.

[9] In hotter climate zones, such as in Italy, sowing occurs following plowing in October–November in order to bury the stubble of the previous crop (often a cereal.)

The seedbed must be sufficiently fine, particularly in organic farming where mechanical weeding is done (so that harrowing the displacement of clods does not harm the plants).

Higher yields can be obtained by sowing early in the year, but this strategy can increase the impact of pests and diseases.

[10] The following three fungi are lupin-specific and fully adapted to the presence of alkaloids:[11] Bean mosaic virus is transmitted by aphids and infected seeds, and is the major viral disease for Lupinus albus.

[11] Insect larvae may damage the roots and hypocotyls,[11] and can be treated most effectively via soil insecticides or other seed treatments.

[10] They reduce crop yield, limit the number of flower blooms, and also lead to pod formation[clarify].

The main macroelements found in white lupin seeds are K, Mn, and Mg, and the prevailing microelements are Ca, Fe, and Na.

[11] While L. albus is used in Australia to provide sheep with protein in the form of a whole-grain feed supplement, there are concerns regarding product quality and safety.

[18] This fungus can cause a fatal intoxication with lupin seed called lupinosis, which appears to mainly affect sheep.

[20] Although broilers can tolerate a high share of lupin seeds in their diet, excess use should be avoided, as it causes moist faeces that negatively affects hygiene and promotes health risks.