GREEN MANURE Butterfly Pea Seeds
Botanical name: Clitoria ternatea
Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a striking perennial climbing legume known for its vivid blue flowers and soil-enriching benefits. Grown widely in warm climates, this fast-growing plant improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and adds vibrant colour to garden beds, fences, and trellises. Its edible flowers are used fresh or dried for herbal tea and natural food colouring, changing from blue to purple with a squeeze of lemon.
- Fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for fertiliser and boosting long-term fertility.
- Produces abundant edible flowers with unique colour-changing properties.
- Attracts bees and beneficial insects to support garden biodiversity.
- Excellent as a living trellis climber, ornamental, or soil-restoring green manure.
- Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical climates; drought-tolerant once established.
- Fast-growing with twining stems reaching 2–3 metres in height when supported.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Perennial climbing legume; grown as an annual in cooler regions
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate Regions: Spring to early summer (September–November).
Subtropical Regions: Spring to early autumn (September–March).
Tropical Regions: All year round. - Germination: 7–21 days
- Depth: Sow 1–2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Direct into garden beds or raise in trays for transplanting
- Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 30–50 cm between plants
Management:
- Soak seeds overnight before sowing to speed up germination.
- Provide a trellis or support for climbing stems.
- Water regularly during early growth; becomes drought-tolerant once established.
- Lightly prune to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Harvest and Incorporation:
Harvest fresh flowers 60–90 days after sowing. For green manure use, chop plants before seed set and dig into the soil to return nitrogen and organic matter.
When to Sow Butterfly Pea in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Spring–early summer | Sow after frost danger has passed; requires warm soil for germination. |
| Subtropical | Spring–early autumn | Ideal in warm months; water regularly during dry periods. |
| Tropical | All year | Can be sown year-round; avoid prolonged wet season if soils become waterlogged. |
| Cool | Late spring–summer | Sow in the warmest months; grow as an annual in cooler climates. |
| Arid | Spring–early summer | Sow after last frost; mulch well and irrigate during establishment. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 7–21 days |
| Sowing Depth | 1–2 cm |
| Watering | Keep moist during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature. |
| Growth Period | 60–90 days to flower harvest |
| Incorporation | Chop and dig in before seed set to return nutrients to soil. |