BLUE BUTTERFLY PEA SEEDS

Clitoria ternatea

An extraordinary little legume, Blue Butterfly Pea is a perennial in tropical climates but can be grown successfully as an annual where where summers are warm. Best in a container on the balcony or patio where its delicate beauty can be more frequently appreciated and flowers plucked as needed for colorful cocktails.

The flowers of Blue Butterfly Pea are surprisingly large and an arresting shade of bright clear blue. They are a popular natural food color in several Asian countries, contributing a blue, purple or pink tint to foods and beverages, depending on pH. A single fresh flower muddled in a glass will contribute a magical color to drinks. Both the leaves and flowers are dried and prepared as tea.

In Iowa and here in the Hudson Vallely, this species can set flowers with abandon in a container that sees hot morning sun and afternoon shade. Its delicate foliage will scorch and curl in full sun, but it does need heat and to be allowed to dry slightly between watering. Culture may be a challenge for those in cool maritime climates, but where nights are warm expect flowers from an early sowing as soon as July. Give it as much sun as foliage can tolerate and avoid overwatering.

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before setting out: soak seeds in hot water for several hours, changing the water as necessary to keep it warm. Tuck just below the surface of moist soil, pressing to keep seed snug, and mist generously with warm water. Cover with plastic to maintain moisture and temperature. Kept warm (80°F) and moist in bright light, seeds will typically germinate within a week or so. Prick out when large enough to handle to grow on in individual 3" pots. Keep seedlings warm in not-too-bright light and pot up into larger containers as necessary. Harden off and set outdoors when nights are reliably above 50°F.

These plants like heat and drainage and will not thrive in cool temperatures or wet soil.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.