Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) adds a gorgeous punch of deep blue into the spring and early summer garden. The plant is long lived and slow to mature, so expect a floppy stem for the first years as the plant focuses on deep underground roots. Often in its third year the plant will develop a larger shrub like habit and begin to flower. Blue False Indigo is the host plant of the Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly. Indigos are members of the legume family, hence they are nitrogen fixers and a great addition to the permaculture garden.
Growing Instructions
Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.