Butterfly Pea(Blue)

Height: 5-12inches in a 12cm Nursery pot

Thank you for choosing our premium Butterfly Pea seedlings! Here's how to care for your new plants. 

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a beautiful flowering vine known for its striking blue or purple flowers and its use in herbal teas and food coloring. Here’s a comprehensive care guide covering each aspect of growing butterfly pea plants:

### Site Selection:
- **Light:** Butterfly pea plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They thrive in bright sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
- **Temperature:** They prefer warm temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C). 
- **Humidity:** High humidity levels are beneficial for butterfly pea plants.

### Soil Preparation:
- Use well-draining, fertile soil enriched with organic matter.
- Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).
- Improve soil drainage if necessary, as butterfly pea plants do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.

### Planting:
- Sow seeds directly in the garden or start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings once they are established.
- Provide support such as a trellis or fence for the vine to climb.

### Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods.
- Water regularly, ensuring the soil does not dry out completely between waterings.
- Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows down.

### Sunlight:
- Butterfly pea plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.

### Fertilizing:
- Feed butterfly pea plants with a balanced fertilizer or rich compost every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Apply fertilizer according to package instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

### Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as straw or compost) around the base of butterfly pea plants.
- Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the plants to prevent rotting.

### Pest and Disease Management:
- Butterfly pea plants are generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids or spider mites.
- Inspect plants regularly for pests and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
- Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent fungal diseases.

### Harvesting:
- Harvest butterfly pea flowers when they are fully open and vibrant in color.
- Flowers can be used fresh or dried for making tea or natural food coloring.
- Harvest seeds for propagation or culinary use.

By following these care guidelines, you can successfully grow butterfly pea plants and enjoy their beautiful flowers and versatile uses in teas and culinary applications.