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Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly Pea Flower
Seed Packet

Butterfly Pea Flower

Clitoria ternatea
Blue Pea is a twining tropical vine with fluttery cobalt blue petals surrounding pure white centers. It is an amazingly versatile plant; it adds to soil fertility as a legume and features in traditional medicines for its anti-inflammatory, calming, and skin-enhancing qualities, while the edible flowers impart a brilliant blue to purple color to teas, cocktails, and more. Beautiful, fun, healthy–what more can you ask of a flower!
SKU #S1965
$5.00
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
20
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
3-10' h x 1' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Deep true blue
Features
Great for containers
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
14 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Recommended. Nick seed and soak overnight then sow in pots 6-8 weeks before planting out. Keep at 75-80°F. Keep pots evenly moist but never saturated with water.
Starting Outdoors:
Sow in place after last frost in areas that have longer growing seasons, such as zones 9-10.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
About two weeks after last frost when night temperatures have warmed.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
First described in botanical texts in 1753 and native to tropical areas near the equator, the Butterfly Pea Flower has a long history in Ayurvedic traditional medicine, healing inflammation and enhancing well-being. Brimming with anthocyanins, it releases a beautiful blue dye when steeped in tea and is used to color food and specialty cocktails. The seedpods are edible as well, although not especially flavorful. As a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity and warmth–site in a sunny, protected spot with a trellis to twine upon. Deadhead and prune to shape, leaving a few seedpods to replenish your supply if you wish.
Final Spacing:
8-12"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" a week.
Soil pH:
Slightly acid to alkaline.
Fertilizer:
Mix in 2" of compost prior to planting and topdress with another inch midseason.
Diseases & Pests:
Generally trouble free. If aphids or spider mites appear, hose plants down several times a week or spray with neem oil or an insecticidal soap. Avoid overwatering, allow soil to drain well.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Pick flowers and dry add the colors of blue to purple into your favorite tea infusions.