Baptisia (False Indigo): Identification, Propagation, and Care

Plant Profile

Baptisia orientalis (often called false indigo) displays stunning dark blue‑purple flowers in early summer. It thrives in full sun and most well‑drained soils.

Propagation Methods

From Seed

1. Collect seed pods in fall; store dry over winter.
2. In spring, scarify each seed with a few strokes of sandpaper.
3. Sow in late April; most germinate and can be transplanted the following spring.

By Division

Divide clumps in early spring when new shoots appear. Keep as many roots as possible on each division.