Baptisia australis

Description

False Indigo

Baptisia australis is a herbaceous perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in), in zones 4-9. , False Indigo grows well from flower seeds, grows in full sun and well-drained soil, is fairly drought tolerant once established. Historically the plants used to be in demand for the dye that was made from the blue flowers. Bush has upright growth, pea-like blue flowers followed by attractive foliage. False Indigo care includes following a regular watering schedule the first growing to encourage a good root system. Also, trim the plants back in the fall as they turn black with the first freeze.

Baptisia australis seeds have a hard outer coat so a cold/moist treatment before starting the flower seeds indoors is needed. Scarify seed then soak seeds for 12 hours in hot, not boiling water. Sow in compost or substrate, cover with a little grit. For faster-growing place pot with seeds in a cold frame in autumn or winter or cold stratify at 4°C. a fridge is ideal -remove to warmth for germination. Germination takes 4-8 weeks at 20°C. Acclimatize and plant out the following spring after the danger of frost has passed.