Blue Wild Indigo is a legume with roots that undergo nitrogen fixation and can be very long-lived. The blue flowers resemble those of lupines and attract bumble bees and other pollinators. It is native to the eastern U.S. and Ontario, Canada. Recommended for the home garden as well meadow plantings and pollinator gardens. Plants have deep and extensive root systems, making them good additions to bioswales. Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for reliable performance in the garden..
- USDA ZONE ,4-10
- SEED COUNT -1,800 PER OZ
- LIFE CYCLE, 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.
Seed Saving: When ripe, the seed pods will turn black; cut them off and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Split the pods open to remove the Baptisia Australis seeds. Store blue wild indigo seeds in a cool, dry place.
