Flowers Seed - BLUE Wild indigo

Baptisia australis, also referred to as blue wild indigo or blue false indigo, is a vernal blossom showcasing vibrant purple, pink, or yellow petals. Its beautiful flowers develop into captivating seed pods during autumn, attracting pollinators and making it a beloved choice.

This perennial is perfect for home gardens, meadow plantings, and pollinator gardens. With a deep and extensive root system, it is a great choice for bioswales. It has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its consistent performance in gardens. USDA Zone is 4-10 with a seed count of 1,800 per ounce, and it has a life cycle of a perennial.

Sowing: Since this plant does not transplant well, it should be direct sown. The seed will need to be scarified; to accomplish this, pour 150 degrees F water over the seed and let it soak overnight the day before planting. In late fall, plant the blue wild indigo seeds 1/2" deep. For spring planting, the scarified seed will need to be mixed with moist sand and stored in the refrigerator for 10 days before planting. Germination should take place within 15-20 days.

Growing: This plant tolerates clay, gravel, and sand and can also thrive in poor soil. It tolerates drought well, but it also benefits from occasional watering. Though long-lived, the plants develop slowly and may not flower until their second or third season. The foliage may be pruned for neat growth after blooming, though this will prevent the development of the seed pods. The plant will go dormant over winter, and can be cut down to 6" after the foliage dies. Eventually, the plants will spread by rhizomes. White Wild Indigo is a host plant for the Indigo Dusky Wing and Zarucco Dusky Wing butterflies, though the foliage can be fatal to grazing animals.

Harvesting: The foliage and seed pods of this flower both dry well and make attractive additions to dried flower arrangements.