False Indigo – 5 Seeds

False indigo (Baptisia australis) is a large, upright long-lived perennial flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. Commonly known as blue wild indigo or blue false indigo, it is a perennial herb native to much of central and eastern North America. The flowers were once used by Native Americans and early European settlers as a dye.

The plant typically grows to a height of about 90 – 120 cm, but may grow up to a height of 1.5m. The grey-green leaves are arranged alternately, and are further divided into clover-like leaflets that are 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 color from light blue to deep violet.

Medicinal Uses

It was used by European herbalists and is thought to stimulate the immune system to purge any infections. Some ailments it is used for include ear, nose, and throat infections.

Please Note: The plant is poisonous to both animals and humans, when ingested in large quantities. Side effects of ingesting blue indigo may include vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal spasms. The plant should only be used medicinally under the supervision of a trained professional.

Growing False Indigo

Indoor Sowing: Early Spring.

Direct Sowing: Early Spring and Late Autumn.

• Grows best in lime-free, well-drained sandy soil in full sun to part shade.
• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours and thereafter scarify the seeds.
• Sow the seeds either in the early spring or late in the autumn.
• Place the seeds on the growing medium and cover with a layer of soil.
• Keep the growing medium moist, but not wet.
• Germination can take 1 – 2 months at temperature of 21°C.
• The plant will take two or three years to become fully established and should be staked.
• They may not bloom until their second or third season from seedlings.
• Once established the plant is quite drought tolerant, due to its very deep tap root.