Germination generally occurs in five days or less if the seed is first soaked overnight in hot water, or if seed is planted directly in soil warmed to 80F. Blue Butterfly vines are notoriously slow to germinate if placed in cold soil. As soon as germination occurs, plants are removed and grown-on at cooler temperatures. Seed can be collected as soon as the pods begin to turn a dark brown. To prevent destruction of the seed, simply place the pods into an airtight bag to which a mothball has been added. After two days, remove the pods and collect the seed as usual.
Cuttings root readily in sand with gentle bottom heat.
Blue Butterfly vines do best when sited in good sandy loam in full sun. Plants are very drought resistant once established, and are tolerant of coastal conditions. Vines look very nice when offset by Texas sage, Salvia greggi. Both thrive in our heat and humidity. Another indispensable provider of electric blue flowers is found in Salvia sinaloensis.