How To Grow Butterfly Pea Seeds
Updated on Dec 28, 2021
By Shannon McCabe
Latin name Clitoria ternatea is a tropical perennial member of the fabaceae or bean family. This frost tender vining plant can be grown as a perennial in frost free zones, or treated as an annual in the north. Also can be planted in pots and brought indoors when cold arrives. Electrifying blue blooms make a brilliant blue food dye and tea. Perennial in USDA zones 9-11.
HISTORY
Native to equatorial Asia, including India and Southeast Asia. Celebrated for its medicinal qualities in ancient Ayurvedic medicine as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine.
USES
- Traditional medicinal uses
- Makes a brilliant food dye
- Steep into a colorful, tasty tea
- Nick and soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
- Seeds germinate in 15-20 days.
- Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, transplant out after all chance of frost has passed and soil has warmed reliably.
- Do not direct seed unless you are located in zones 9 or warmer.
- Ideal germination temperature 70-75 F.
- Plant this heat-loving vine in full sun.
- Adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
- Space plants 3-4 inches apart and grow up a vine or trellis.
PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
- It is a pest- and disease-free plant.
- Be sure not to subject plants to excessive cold, as they will suffer in cool temperatures and may experience mold and fungal issues.
- It is very easy to save the seeds of the butterfly pea. Simply allow pods to completely dry on plants before picking.
- Dry the seeds 1 week indoors in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight.
- Store in a cool, dark, dry place over winter.
