In summer, pick the woody pods just as they begin to split open and remove the round brown seeds inside. Fill a cup with water heated almost to boiling, pour in the fresh seeds and soak overnight. To ensure full absorption, make sure the water covers the seeds. In the morning strain out and sow the seeds outdoors in a sterile commercial seed mix. Cold stratification is not necessary.
Germination begins in two to three weeks with lingering sprouting thereafter.
Where to See It At BBG, look for Baptisia australis in the Herb Garden and the Mixed Perennial Border. A specimen of 'Purple Smoke' is being added this spring to the Perennial Border. The North Carolina Botanical Garden displays 'Purple Smoke' in the mixed native Perennial Border. Niche Gardens and the North Carolina Botanical Garden are jointly introducing Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'.