Height:

3.5-4.0 Feet

Spread:

3.5 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Native to North America

Baptisia grows best in full sun, though it tolerates light shade. If grown in too much shade, plants may require staking. Baptisia is easily grown in poor to average soil that is well-drained. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant because of its tough, deep taproot. This perennial native may take a couple of seasons to become established, but is very long-lived once mature. Avoid disturbing established clumps.

Growing Temperature:

Rooting out and Growing on 55-60° F

Holding Temperature:

40-50° F

Soil PH:

5.8-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Requires 100-150 ppm fertilizer for optimal growth. For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

8-10 weeks if planted from plugs during early summer.

Pests & Diseases:

Leaf spots, powdery mildew (Erysiphe and Microshaera), rust (Puccinia), root rots.

Potting & Timing:

Generously graded bare root plants should bloom the first year.
Plugs can be planted in late spring to early summer and sold the following spring. This option yields the greatest number of stems per pot.
Forcing plants under cool temperatures will help control height and will intensify flower color but may increase crop time.
Baptisia will flower in 8-10 weeks at 50-60° F.

Moisture:

Water well after planting and increase watering as the foliage emerges. Dry to moderate moisture levels.

Planting Level:

Plant crown just below soil surface for bare root. Plant plugs 1/2" below the soil surface.

PGRs/Pinching:

Drench with Uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) at 1 ppm once plants reach 6 inches in height.
Toning sprays at 5 ppm can be applied later if more control is needed. Best height control is growing Baptisia under cooler temperatures.

Lighting:

Provide high light levels. Grow under clear poly or outdoors.

Fun Facts

The genus name Baptisia comes from the Greek word bapto, meaning to dip, referring to its use as a substitute dye for indigo. The common name for Baptisia, False Indigo, also refers to this practice.

From the Fabaceae Family, or the Bean or Pea Family.

Tantalizing Trivia: Baptisia australis was the first ever subsidized agricultural crop in America.

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