Baptistia australis
BLUE INDIGO
SKU: 276-010
Description
B. australis is an herbaceous perennial that reproduces both sexually and asexually by means of its spreading rhizomes. The plant is erect and emerges from the rhizomatic network. The roots themselves are branched and deep, which helps the plant withstand periods of drought. The plant branches extensively about halfway up.
The plant may attain a height of 1 to 1.5 metres, and a width of 0.6 to 1 metre. The grey-green trifoliate leaves are arranged alternately, and are further divided into clover-like leaflets that are obovate in shape, or wider towards the apex. Flower spikes appear in early summer. Emerging at the pinnacle are short, upright terminal racemes with pea-like flowers that vary in colour from light blue to deep violet. The flowers, which bloom from spring to summer depending on the region, are bisexual and are roughly 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long.
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Seeds per pack: 10
Note: Ornamental use only. This plant and/or seeds may be poisonous.
Germination: Start these seeds indoors right away for best germination rates. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a seed-start mix, and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 4 weeks. This helps break the phytohormones which inhibit germination. They will not grow yet. Then a cooling period is required. Cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 80 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to a cool room (15-18C, 59-68F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-60 days after the warming period, though some can take longer.
Description
B. australis is an herbaceous perennial that reproduces both sexually and asexually by means of its spreading rhizomes. The plant is erect and emerges from the rhizomatic network. The roots themselves are branched and deep, which helps the plant withstand periods of drought. The plant branches extensively about halfway up.
The plant may attain a height of 1 to 1.5 metres, and a width of 0.6 to 1 metre. The grey-green trifoliate leaves are arranged alternately, and are further divided into clover-like leaflets that are obovate in shape, or wider towards the apex. Flower spikes appear in early summer. Emerging at the pinnacle are short, upright terminal racemes with pea-like flowers that vary in colour from light blue to deep violet. The flowers, which bloom from spring to summer depending on the region, are bisexual and are roughly 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long.
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Seeds per pack: 10
Note: Ornamental use only. This plant and/or seeds may be poisonous.
Germination: Start these seeds indoors right away for best germination rates. Your planting container should have holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a seed-start mix, and water in. Leave them at room temperature for 4 weeks. This helps break the phytohormones which inhibit germination. They will not grow yet. Then a cooling period is required. Cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 80 days. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to a cool room (15-18C, 59-68F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally 30-60 days after the warming period, though some can take longer.
