Butterfly pea flower seeds come from the Clitoria ternatea plant, a fast-growing, twining vine known for its striking deep blue or violet flowers. These seeds are used to cultivate the plant for ornamental, culinary, and medicinal purposes.
Key Features:
- Botanical Name: Clitoria ternatea
- Common Names: Butterfly pea, Blue pea, Asian pigeonwings, Aparajita
- Seed Appearance: Small, oval-shaped seeds; dark brown to black in color
- Size: Approximately 4–7 mm in length
- Germination Time: 7–14 days under ideal conditions
- Growth Habit: Climbing vine, grows best in warm, tropical to subtropical climates
Benefits:
- Fast-Growing: Ideal for covering fences, trellises, or arbors
- Nitrogen Fixing: Improves soil fertility naturally
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies
Uses of the Plant (Grown from Seeds):
- Culinary: Flowers are used to make herbal tea and natural food coloring (turns vivid blue and changes color with pH)
- Medicinal: Traditionally used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Ornamental: Beautiful vine with eye-catching flowers, often used in gardens and landscaping
- Educational: A favorite in school garden projects due to its fast growth and visible flower transformation
Planting Tips:
- Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing to improve germination
- Sow directly in well-drained soil in full sun
- Water moderately and provide support for the vine to climb
Butterfly pea flower seeds are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow a low-maintenance, visually stunning, and multipurpose plant.