Just Say No to Abuse Declaring War on Terrorism. Not Indexed No color is more elusive in the floral world than true blue, and no other vine delivers it like Clitoria ternatea, the Blue Butterfly Pea. This tender beauty, a native of India, grows to 15 feet tall and will remain evergreen in central and south Florida. Residents of the Panhandle will want to overwinter it in a greenhouse or in a weatherproof lanai.
Propagation is easy by seed or cuttings.
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.