Butterfly Pea

Fast growing trailing or climbing vine with attractive and edible blue flowers that have been used for centuries as a natural dye.

Flower petals can be used as a garnish, in dishes or to colour foods like rice. In beverages it is used to colour both alcoholic drinks like gin and cocktails, frozen in ice cubes as well as in herbal teas.

The seed pods are a rich source of protein whilst the foliage can be used as a cattle feed or even mulched for green manure.

A half-hardy perennial in the tropics but best treated as an annual in our temperate climate. Don’t sow until the ground warms up.

The seed has a hard external skin which keeps moisture out and slows germination so some assistance will hasten the process or soak for 2-4 hours prior to sowing.

Scarify: Slightly nick (toenail clippers), chip or sand one end of the seed.

Please note: Butterfly Pea is regarded a Perennial only in a warm climate.