BAPTISIA AUSTRALIS

Delightful Lupin-like spikes of intense indigo blue flowers look simply wonderful growing at the back of the border. 4-5’. HP.

Baptisia Australis germinates best from fresh seed.

Before sowing chip or scarify the seeds to wear down the hard outer-coating by rubbing with sandpaper or nicking the seed-coating with a sharp knife, then soak for 12 hours in warm water. Sow the soaked seeds on to soil-free compost, mixed 3:1 with grit and cover lightly.

The seeds require 6 to 12 weeks of cold before germination. Either place in a cold frame over winter or cold stratify at 4°C. in a fridge after which they can be moved into warmth for germination, which takes around 2 to 5 weeks at 20°C.

Overwinter the young plants in a cold frame and acclimatise before planting out the following spring after all danger of frost has passed. Water until well established. Once estabished Baptisia Australis is quite drought tolerant, prefering deep, well-drained soil in full sun.