How to grow butterfly pea flower at home
What's the story
Growing butterfly pea flowers at home can be a rewarding experience. These vibrant blue flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve various purposes, including herbal teas and natural dyes. Cultivating them is fairly easy and requires little resources, making it an ideal project for gardening enthusiasts. Here are practical insights into successfully growing butterfly pea flowers in your garden or even indoors.
Tip 1
Selecting the right location
Butterfly pea plants prefer sunny spots. Choose a place that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. If you are planting indoors, position the pot near a south-facing window to ensure proper light exposure. The plant also prefers well-drained soil so make sure that the selected spot does not hold excess water.
Tip 2
Preparing the soil
The soil should be rich in organic matter to allow healthy growth. Before planting, mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to improve its fertility. The ideal pH level for butterfly pea plant is between six and seven. Regularly check and adjust the soil pH if required to keep optimal conditions.
Tip 3
Planting seeds or seedlings
You can either start with seeds or seedlings, depending on what's available and your preference. If you use seeds, soak them overnight before planting them so that they germinate better. Plant seeds about an inch deep and two feet apart (if planting directly in the ground) or in individual pots (for indoor cultivation).
Tip 4
Watering and maintenance
Watering the butterfly pea plants should be done carefully, keeping it consistent but not excessive. It's important to let the topsoil dry a little before the next watering session. Regularly monitoring the plants for pests like aphids and caterpillars is important for keeping the plants healthy. They should be removed manually on detection to prevent damage and let your plants thrive.
Tip 5
Supporting growth with trellises
Butterfly pea plants naturally climb up seeking support, which increases their vertical growth and flowering. You can install trellises or stakes, close to every plant, to give them the support. This way, they can climb beautifully, leading to a healthy growth. Just remember to attach the stems carefully to these supports, to avoid any damage, and let them climb without any hindrances.