Clitoria ternatea ( Butterfly Pea ) is a herbaceous perennial that has many practical uses. Native to India and northern Africa, the Butterfly Peas are easy to grow, beneficial for the garden and produce edible blue flowers in under three months. The plant itself is drought hardy, fast growing and can tolerate a wide range of soils.
The only catch is that they prefer temperatures between 15 to 28°C (59 to 82°F), so in cold and temperate climates grow as an annual. Seeds can be started indoors in late winter to enjoy a longer growing season in these zones.
Other common names for Clitoria ternatea include Cordofan Pea, Darwin Pea, Asian Pigeongwings and Bluebellvine.
As mentioned, this species is popular around the world and has a wide range of uses. Here are just some of the examples:
Features of Clitoria ternatea
- Farmers in Queensland grow crops of Butterfly Pea to improve the soil in rotations.
- The same crop is also high in protein and provides an excellent livestock feed.
- Flowers are mixed with lemongrass to make a tea. Adding lemon juice turns the water purple.
- A blue dye is used to add colour to rice dishes in Thailand.
- In folklore medicine the plant is used as a sedative, anti-depressant and to improve the memory.
- In Thailand they have used the plant for centuries to treat baldness and premature graying of the hair.
Commercial nurseries sell the Butterfly Pea mainly as an ornamental in sub-tropical and tropical regions.
Growth
Clitoria ternatea is a deciduous climbing plant that grows to 3 metres (9 feet). It enjoys warm temperatures and struggles when temperatures fall below 10°C (28°F). Butterfly Peas in general have a low germination rate for around 20% but there are methods to improve that rate included in the instructions.
Once sprouted, the plants is fast growing and can be producing flowers within 11-12 weeks. If directly sowing into the ground, they will soon require a trellis or support to climb upon. When grown in containers, they can become root-bound quickly as they develop extensive root systems.
The flowers are blue with in an oval shape and can resemble the female reproductive organ in humans. Butterfly Peas attract a wide variety of beneficial insects into the garden and help by providing nearby plants a nitrogen fix.
Fruit pods appear six-eight weeks after flowering and are roughly 7 cm long (3 inches) and contain 6-10 seeds each. Seeds are edible when freshly harvested.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
15 to 28°C / 59 to 82°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
pH:
5.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees, Insects.
MATURITY:
12 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
20-30% (See Germination Instructions)
GERMINATION TIME:
1-2 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 20 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT CLITORIA TERNATEA (Butterfly Pea)
The genus name Clitoria ternatea is derived from the Latin name Clitoria, meaning clitoris. In reference to the shape of the plant’s blue flowers.
In India, the flower is considered holy and is used in daily puja rituals.
