Can you grow false indigo from seed pods?
Answer: Yes, you can collect and sow the seeds of your wild or false blue indigo (Baptisia australis), though propagating this beautiful, blue-flowered perennial from seed can take patience.
How do you germinate indigo false blue?
Place them outdoors in an area where they will experience the snow and cold of winter. The seed will germinate in the pots in spring as the weather warms up. Be sure to water the pots regularly in spring and once the plants are 5 cm (2 inches) tall, transplant them into your garden.
Is blue false indigo invasive?
False indigo is easy to grow and it tends to form dense thickets. Since each plant is 4-18 feet tall and even wider than tall, it’s a problem where it’s unwanted. Connecticut and Washington state have listed it as invasive. The flowers are unusual for the pea family.
When should I start my artificial indigo seed?
New seedlings can be planted outside after last frost date in spring, but will require extra care during the first year of establishment. Seedling Baptisia plants grow slowly and will not bloom for at least 2 to 3 years. Baptisia can also be rooted from stem cuttings.
Can you plant Baptisia seeds?
These seeds can be sown directly, planting them a quarter-inch (0.5 cm.) deep, and will usually germinate in about two weeks. If fresh seed is unavailable, how to plant Baptisia seed becomes a little more complicated. Hardened seeds should be chilled in the refrigerator for six to 12 weeks.
How do you propagate false indigo?
Propagation of Baptisia species is easy. In summer, pick the woody pods just as they begin to split open and remove the round brown seeds inside. Fill a cup with water heated almost to boiling, pour in the fresh seeds and soak overnight. To ensure full absorption, make sure the water covers the seeds.
Do you prune false indigo?
No pruning is necessary, though some gardeners prefer to remove the dark seed pods as part of their Baptisia plant care regimen. Others like the look of the dark pods and leave them as contrast in the garden.
How do you propagate indigo bushes?
Indigo may also be propagated through cuttings taken from already established plants. To take indigo cuttings, simply cut a small section of new growth from the plant. Ideally, each cutting should have at least 3-4 sets of leaves. Strip off the lower sets of leaves, leaving one or two sets on the cutting piece.
Do blue false indigo need full sun?
Baptisia plants need plenty of sun and once established, are extremely drought tolerant. No pruning is necessary, though some gardeners prefer to remove the dark seed pods as part of their Baptisia plant care regimen.