Butterfly Pea "Double Sky Blue"

Sky Blue Double Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)

This Butterfly Pea is a real rare one. It is an perennial or annual vine. Once established, butterfly pea easy to grow and requires little attention, just a helping a little to train it up a trellis. The blue flowers are used to primarily to make tea or as a natural dye for food. Since butterfly pea is a legume, its roots form a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria. Meaning these plants gather their own nitrogen from the air and store it in nodules in their roots which benefits the soil.

Flowers:
The most valued feature of Butterfly Pea is its vibrant blue to purple flowers. There are plenty of different flower colors.

Growth Habit:
Butterfly Pea is a climbing plant, making it great for trellises.

Blooming Season:
This plant produces flowers throughout the warm months of the year, and each blossom usually lasts for a day.

Culinary Uses:
Butterfly Pea flowers are often used in traditional Asian cuisines for their natural blue color. They are used to make color changing tea and as a natural food coloring.

Light:
Plant Butterfly Pea in full sunlight for the best flowering. It can tolerate partial shade but may bloom less.

Soil:
Well-draining soil is preferred. Enrich the soil with organic matter for better growth and overall health.

Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Temperature:
Butterfly Pea prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.

Fertilization:
Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning:
Prune the plant to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the tips regularly to promote branching.

Pests and Diseases:
Watch out for pests like aphids and caterpillars. Treat pest issues promptly.

Culinary Use:
Tea Preparation: Harvest flowers for making tea. The blue color can change to purple with the addition of acidic ingredients like lemon juice.