Blue False Indigo Drought Tolerant Baptisia Australis Flower Seeds

Blue False Indigo Seeds

50 Seeds
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4.99
100 Seeds
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8.99

About...

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia Australis) - Native to the United States, False Indigo grows well from flower seeds, and historically the plants used to be in demand for the dye that was made from the blue flowers. This shrub-like hardy perennial is in the pea family and prefers cool climates, but is drought tolerant.

MORE BAPTISIA OPTIONS

Blue false indigo seeds White wild indigo seeds
ABOUT
PLANTING DIRECTIONS
VIDEOS

Flower Specifications

SEASON

Perennial

USDA ZONES

3 - 9

HEIGHT

40 inches

BLOOM SEASON

Late spring through summer

BLOOM COLOR

Blue

ENVIRONMENT

Full sun to partial shade

SOIL TYPE

Well drained, pH 5.8 - 6.8

DEER RESISTANT

Yes

HOUSE PLANT

No

LATIN NAME

Baptisia Australis

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia Australis) - Native to the United States, False Indigo grows well from flower seeds, and historically the plants used to be in demand for the dye that was made from the blue flowers. This shrub-like hardy perennial is in the pea family and prefers cool climates; however, it is drought tolerant once established.

 

Attracts pollinators

The False Indigo flower shape and nectar content make them attractive to bumble bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

blue false indigo flowers

False indigo seed | blue

How to grow

How To Grow False Indigo From Seed: Baptisia australis seeds have a hard outer coat so a cold/moist treatment before starting the flower seeds indoors is needed. Or, directly sow the False Indigo seeds directly outdoors in the fall, and all the harsh temps of winter to soften the seed coat naturally.

False Indigo care includes following a regular watering schedule the first growing to encourage a good root system.  After establishement, these are quite drought tolerant plants.  Also, trim the plants back in the fall as they turn black with the first freeze.

  • Sowing Rate: 2 - 3 seeds per plant
  • Average Germ Time: 21 - 28 days
  • Keep moist until germination
  • Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Depth: Surface sow and lightly cover no more than 1/8 inch
false indigo seeds blue

Flower Specifications

Blue False Indigo has an upright growth, pea-like blue flowers followed by dark, shiny pea pods and attractive foliage. Also called Wild Indigo or Blue False Indigo, this interesting native prefers at least 6 hours of sun each day.

  • Height: 40 inches
  • USDA Zones: 3 - 9
  • Season: Perennial
  • Deer Resistant: Yes
  • Drought Tolerant: Yes

Planting Directions

TEMPERATURE

68F

AVERAGE GERM TIME

Put in fridge for 4 - 6 weeks. Pour hot water over seeds, let soak 1-3 days until swelling noticeable. Then plant 68F for germination in 21 - 28 days.

LIGHT REQUIRED

Do not leave in direct sunlight

DEPTH

Surface sow and lightly cover no more than 1/8th inch

SOWING RATE

2 - 3 seeds per plant

MOISTURE

Keep seeds moist until germination

PLANT SPACING

24 - 36 inches

ABOUT
PLANTING DIRECTIONS
VIDEOS

Flower Specifications

SEASON

Perennial

USDA ZONES

3 - 9

HEIGHT

24 - 60 inches

BLOOM SEASON

Mid Spring to mid Summer

BLOOM COLOR

White

ENVIRONMENT

Full sun

SOIL TYPE

Can tolerate moist or dry soils of clay, loam, or sand

DEER RESISTANT

Yes

LATIN NAME

Baptisia alba

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia Alba) - Referred to as White False or Wild Indigo.  It stands out among other prairie plants reaching up to 5 feet tall. Its growth cycle begins in Spring when a slender purple stem emerges from the ground. By late June it has transformed into a beautiful, five foot flowering perennial with spikes of white flowers. The name "Baptisia" means "to dye," referring to some species with indigo flowers in this genus being used as a dye. The species name "alba" means "white," cleary referring to the white flowers.

Individual plants are very long-lived, but young transplants can take up to four years of development before they are full grown and producing flowers. The plant has a deep taproot and does not respond well to being moved; however, the taproot makes these very drought tolerant plants. Mature plants can be quite large, with a the base reaching up to four feet in diamater.

Bumblebees and butterflies like to visit White Wild Indigo. The dried plants often act as tumbleweeds and blow with the wind along the land dropping seeds as they roll along. Although it may take several years to reach maturity, White Wild Indigo grows quickly in the Spring. It is a long-lived drought tolerant plant and a legume, meaning it fixates nitrogen. While this species is indicative of the tallgrass prairie, it will also occur in open woodlands and roadsides. Its range is centered in the Midwest, extends south to Texas and Florida.

Planting Directions

TEMPERATURE

68F

AVERAGE GERM TIME

Put in fridge for 4 - 6 weeks. Pour hot water over seeds, let soak 1-3 days until swelling noticeable. Then plant 68F for germination in 21 - 28 days.

LIGHT REQUIRED

Do not leave in direct sunlight

DEPTH

1/4 inch

SOWING RATE

2 - 3 seeds per plant

MOISTURE

Keep seeds moist until germination

PLANT SPACING

24 - 36 inches

Videos

HOW ITS MADE