The Butterfly Pea is a stunning tropical vine with bright green,
compound leaves and rich, cobalt-blue flowers. It is an evergreen climber that
typically grows on slender stems to 10′ (less frequently to 15′) tall. It will
trail through a shrub to 6′. It is native to equatorial Asia. This climber
features compound odd-pinnate leaves (to 5″ long), each with 5-9 elliptic
to ovate rich green leaflets. Pea-like, clear blue flowers (2″ diameter)
with yellowish centers bloom singly or in pairs from summer to fall. Fruits are
flattened pods. It is a perennial plant in the tropics but it is grown as an annual
in temperate regions. It has a fast grow rate and it can bloom in a couple of
months when grown from seed. In climates where temperatures do not dip below 60
degrees F., this tropical climber may be grown outdoors as a short lived
perennial in evenly moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. It
appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot climates. It needs a support on
which to climb. Where temperatures dip below 60 degrees F., this plant may be
grown in a greenhouse. It is easily grown from seed.
Growing Instructions for the Butterfly Pea
1. The seeds
have a hard seed coat that has to be scarified to let water into the seed.
Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded
with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for
several hours. 3. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Use a sterile seed
starter mix, if available. It prevents soil fungi from damaging the seeds and
the seedlings. If not available, then make a mixture of half potting soil and
half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 4. Put the seeds on
the soil. 5. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 6. Water the mixture so
that it is moist but not wet. 7. Place the pots in an area with warm
temperatures in full sun or part shade. 8. When the seedlings are a few inches
tall, they can be transplanted.
Hayden (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate
Owen (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Owen (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Max (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Charles (verified owner) –
The seeds had a great germination rate