Tell me about blue false indigo...

[lesa]

My sister-in-law shared some seeds with me, the other day. The pictures I see of it on the internet look very pretty. Should I plant the seeds now, or wait until spring? How big a space do you think I should dedicate to these? Thanks for your help!

 

[catjac1975]

I don't know as a fact but in your zone I would think you would wait until spring. Once established they are very hardy. They spread in a slow steady clump-I would not call them invasive. I have a blue and a yellow that I bought as a single sprig quite some time ago. The seeds don't seem to drop and germinate on their own, which I like otherwise I think they would be invasive . I have not tried the seed because I do not need any more. I am a technical zone 6 but only buy plants hardy to zone 5.

My sister-in-law shared some seeds with me, the other day. The pictures I see of it on the internet look very pretty. Should I plant the seeds now, or wait until spring? How big a space do you think I should dedicate to these? Thanks for your help!

 

[thistlebloom]

Why don't you plant some this fall, and then again in spring? They can self sow, although I've never seen any seedlings from mine. They do seem to be rather slow growing, mine has been in the ground for about 6 years and I know it didn't bloom until maybe 2 years ago. It is now about 3 feet tall and as wide, and nicely bushy.. I bought it in a one gallon container, so I don't know how long it took to get to a salable size. But I know you're a patient soul Lesa ...

They are a pretty shrub, and even when not in bloom have a nice shape to them and attractive foliage.
Supposedly they don't transplant well ( long tap root ) so plan where you plant it so you wont need to move it once it's in the ground.

Just fyi, mine gets a southern exposure, but no direct sun until noon. It's doing great there.

 

[lesa]

I have to pick a permanent spot and be patient??? You do know I am a Gemini right? Ugh, I guess I will plant a few now and a few in the spring- and then sit around and wait 6 years for them to bloom.... Can't wait!

 

[catjac1975]

I do not think mine took very long to bloom. It is a nice show, easy to care for, chokes out weeds, and nothing kills it.

I have to pick a permanent spot and be patient??? You do know I am a Gemini right? Ugh, I guess I will plant a few now and a few in the spring- and then sit around and wait 6 years for them to bloom.... Can't wait!

 

[thistlebloom]

I do not think mine took very long to bloom. It is a nice show, easy to care for, chokes out weeds, and nothing kills it.

I have to pick a permanent spot and be patient??? You do know I am a Gemini right? Ugh, I guess I will plant a few now and a few in the spring- and then sit around and wait 6 years for them to bloom.... Can't wait!

Are we talking about the same plant? Maybe there's more than one with the common name "false indigo"? Mine is Baptisia australis, and it's a shrub. It has spread some but just to make a bigger around clump. Wouldn't describe it as a weed choker... The slow growing/ blooming could be where I planted it. It's partially under a fir tree and the soil is not amended. It does seem to be tough though.

Lesa, plant the seeds! You could have a completely different experience, more like Cats hopefully!

 

[thistlebloom]

This is mine, not a very good picture, the wind was blowing a lot, but you get the idea.