When to grow Indigofera suffruticosa?

The indigo that we grow in South Carolina is Indigofera suffruticosa, from Central and South America. It is a sparsely branched perennial plant, reaching a height of 3 to 5 feet. It possesses a woody rootstock and herbaceous top. The ideal habitat for indigo includes dry to wet fields, hillsides, or sandbars. Thriving in tropical to subtropical climates, it is not frost-resistant. Best suited for sunny locations in well-drained areas, especially fertile silty-sandy soils.

After the last frost, sow seeds in seed pods, trays or directly into the field, with optimal germination achieved by pre-soaking the seeds in warm water overnight. In 4 to 6 days seedlings rapidly develop a deep root system, and when they reach 3 to 4 inches, it is time to transplant them into the field. By July, the plant will be about 3 feet tall and flowers will start to appear and bloom.

Other indigo species will also grow in South Carolina such as the Japanese Persicaria tinctoria.

Growing Indigofera suffruticosa from seed to field.