Butterfly Pea Seeds - Asian Pigeonwing - Clitoria ternatea

10, 11

USDA Zones 10-11 - In these frost-free tropical and subtropical climates, the Butterfly Pea grows as a tender perennial vine, potentially dying back in a mild winter and returning from the roots.

All Other Zones (2-9) - Must be grown as a warm-season annual. It is a true heat-lover and is extremely sensitive to cold and will be killed by the first frost.

Best Performance in Zones 8-11 during the long, hot, and often humid summer months. This is the ideal climate for vigorous growth and prolific flowering.

Northern Zones (2-7) - It is essential to start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date to give the plant a sufficient head start. Transplant outdoors only when the weather is thoroughly warm and settled, typically several weeks after the last frost.

Hot Climate Zones (8-11) - This is where the plant shines. Direct sow seeds in the garden after the soil has become very warm. It will thrive and produce an abundance of flowers all summer long and into the fall.

Soil Temperature - Requires very warm soil to germinate. The soil temperature must be consistently at least 70 degrees F, with optimal germination occurring between 75-85 degrees F.

Growing Season - Requires a long, warm, frost-free season. While it can begin flowering in 60-90 days, it needs a full summer of heat to be highly productive.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
In cooler climates (Zones 2-8), start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected frost date. In warmer climates (Zones 9+), you can direct sow seeds into the garden once all danger of frost has passed and the soil is consistently very warm (above 70 degrees F).

Where to Plant:
Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours a day). You must provide a trellis, fence, or other sturdy support for the vine to climb. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil.

How to Plant:

Seed Prep: The seed coat is very hard. To significantly improve and speed up germination, nick the seed coat with a nail file or clipper (scarification) and then soak the seeds in warm water overnight before planting.

Sowing: Plant the prepared seeds about 1/2 to 1 inch deep. If starting indoors, use individual pots to minimize root disturbance later. If direct sowing, space seeds 6-12 inches apart at the base of your support structure.

Transplanting: If started indoors, handle seedlings carefully and transplant them to the garden on a warm, overcast day after they have been properly hardened off.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially when the plant is young. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but will produce far more flowers with regular watering. Do not let it sit in soggy soil.

Trellising: As the young vines begin to grow, gently guide them toward your trellis or support to encourage them to start climbing.

Fertilizing: As a legume, Butterfly Pea fixes its own nitrogen, so it is not a heavy feeder. Amending the soil with some compost at planting time is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers.

Harvesting: This is the best part! Harvest the flowers every day, preferably in the morning when their color is most vibrant. Gently pluck the flowers from the vine. The more you harvest, the more flowers the plant will produce. The flowers can be used fresh immediately or laid out in a single layer to air-dry for later use in teas and cooking.