White Wild Indigo Baptisia alba 100 Seeds

Baptisia alba, commonly known as white wild indigo or white false indigo, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans. This plant is known for its attractive spikes of white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, adding beauty to gardens and natural landscapes.

White wild indigo typically grows in prairies, meadows, open woodlands, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant has a deep taproot system, which allows it to be drought-tolerant once established.

In addition to its ornamental value, Baptisia alba also plays an ecological role. Like other members of the Fabaceae family, it is capable of fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil, thereby improving soil fertility and supporting the growth of neighboring plants.

In terms of appearance, Baptisia alba has compound leaves with three leaflets that are bluish-green in color. The white flowers are borne on tall spikes above the foliage and are followed by inflated seed pods, which persist into the fall and add visual interest to the plant. Hardy in zones 4-9. 

Growing Instructions for the White Wild Indigo

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. The seeds have a hard seed coat that has to be treated, or scarified, in order for water to enter the seeds so that they can sprout. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for several hours. 3. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 6-12 weeks. 4. Fill a pot with potting soil. Use a pot that has drainage holes in the base. 5. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a layer of soil ¼ of an inch thick. 6. Water the container and leave it to drain. 7. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 8. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 9. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.