Overwintering Clitoria (Butterfly Pea) in Ohio: Dig, Pot, and Indoor Care

Nick in Ohio loves his Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) and wants to save it through winter. He's collected seeds as backup but hopes to keep the plant alive.

Can It Survive Indoors?

Clitoria is a tropical perennial (Zone 10+). It will not survive Ohio winters outdoors. But many tender plants can be overwintered indoors — worst case, it dies, same as leaving it out.

Step-by-Step Overwintering

1. Dig and pot: Get as much root ball as possible. Use a large pot with fresh potting mix at bottom and sides.
2. Cut back if needed: If vines are very long, trim to ~1.2 m for manageability.
3. Acclimate: Keep outside in similar conditions while nights stay above 10 °C (50 °F). Then move to your sunniest window.
4. Cool, dry rest: Ideal: 13–18 °C (55–65 °F), bright light. Water thoroughly once a week — soak the pot, then wait until nearly dry. Don't let it wilt.
5. Expect stress: Wilting, leaf drop are normal after transplant. Do not fertilize yet.
6. Late January: Prune dead growth. Start weak fertilizer as days lengthen.
7. Spring: After frost danger passes, harden off and replant. Or keep in a nursery pot and bury pot in ground — lift in fall to avoid transplant shock.

Why This Works

Cool, dry conditions slow metabolism, reducing light demand. The plant "rests" rather than struggling in warm, dim indoor air. Come spring, it's ready to explode.

Good luck — and those seeds are smart insurance!