Baptisia Growing Guide


Common Name False Indigo
Genus  Baptisia
Species Baptisia australis
Family Fabaceae
Life Cycle  Long-lived Herbaceous Perennial 
Format Plugs
Plug Care Harden off and transplant plugs into their final location as soon as possible after arrival. Baptisia develops a large taproot and resents transplanting once established, so avoid allowing plugs to become rootbound. If bumping up into a larger pot, use something at least a gallon if not larger to accommodate the tap root. Water thoroughly after planting, and maintain even moisture until roots establish. Once established, Baptisia is exceptionally drought tolerant.
Netting / Staking Not necessary. Mature plants become quite bushy and produce sturdy stems that remain upright without support. If you're growing in an exceptionally windy area you may want to consider one layer of netting or a Florida-weave type corral, but this may make harvesting more challenging. 
Temperature Range Baptisia are very winter hardy and should survive winters down to USDA Zones 4, possibly 3. Baptisia tolerates winter temperatures below -20°F once established and performs best where it experiences a period of winter dormancy (up to USDA zone 9 - any warmer and they likely won't thrive). Young spring growth easily tolerates light frosts; these are very hardy plants. 
Spacing Mature baptisia are large. Space at a minimum of 18 inches, up to 36 inches depending on cultivar vigor and end size. Wider spacing improves airflow and allows mature plants to develop their naturally broad habit. Wild-type plants are large and vigorous and should be given the wider spacing compared to some of the smaller named cultivars. 
Soil Preference Plant in well-drained soils. Baptisia is adaptable to sandy, loamy, or rocky sites. Although quite adaptable, avoid poorly drained or saturated soils. These plants perform best in moderately fertile soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Light Requirement Full sun is recommended for maximum stem production, strongest stems and best quality cut material. Plants tolerate light shade but flowering and stem quality are reduced.
Pinching Not necessary. Plants will only have a few flowering stems in the first couple of years, but are long-lived and get larger with each passing season. 
When to Plant Transplant plugs in spring after the soil has warmed or in early fall in milder climates. Spring planting allows the extensive root system to establish before winter and is likely the best time to plant in USDA 5 and colder. 
Harvesting Harvest stems when approximately one-third to one-half of the flowers on the raceme have opened while the remaining buds are still showing color. Earlier harvests may not allow upper buds to develop fully, while overly mature stems have reduced vase life. Flowers are not the longest-lasting cuts, but seed pods can also be harvested later in the season once they have fully developed. Besides the flowers and seed pods, the foliage also make a long-lasting cut stem all season long. This is an extremely versatile plant! 
Post Harvest Care Immediately place stems into clean water after harvest. Floral preservative improves bud opening and vase life but is not absolutely necessary. Store in a cooler if not using right away. Fresh flowers typically last 5-7 days depending on harvest stage. Mature seed pods and foliage also have excellent vase life and are frequently used later in the season after the flowers have faded. 
Diseases / Insects

This species is generally one of the easiest perennial crops to grow with few pest issues. Watch for typical plant pests like aphids, spider mites, or Japanese beetles. Root and crown rots may occur in poorly drained soils. Good spacing and air circulation minimizes occasional powdery mildew or fungal/bacterial leaf spots.
Bailey's Notes Baptisia is one of the longest-lived perennial cut flower crops and becomes increasingly productive as plants mature. As with the majority of perennials, don't judge the crop by its first season. Most varieties reach peak stem production during years three and four. Because Baptisia develops an extensive taproot, choosing the final planting location carefully is important, as established plants are difficult to move. Once established, the crop is remarkably drought tolerant, low maintenance, and capable of producing cut material for many years.
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