Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
(Moderate — seeds are abundant and easy to harvest, but benefit from pre-treatment)

Seed Collection Time:

Late summer to early fall — typically September through October

Signs Seeds are Ready:

• Flower spikes are replaced by inflated, oblong seed pods

• Mature pods turn from green to charcoal-black or dark brown

• Pods rattle when shaken — a sign the round seeds inside are dry and loose

• Seeds inside are hard, dark brown or black, and glossy

Tip: The pods make a gentle rattling sound — a natural cue that they’re ready.

Seed Collection Steps:

1. Clip mature, blackened pods on a dry day

2. Allow pods to air dry in paper bags or trays for 5–7 days

3. Crack open pods by hand or lightly crush them to release seeds

4. Separate seeds from pod fragments using a mesh sieve or screen

5. Store seeds in a cool, dry place in paper envelopes or glass jars

Note: Each pod contains 4–6 large seeds — typically enough to share or store.

Germination Tips:

• Seeds have a hard coat — scarification improves germination

  • Nick seed coat with a file or soak in hot water for 12–24 hours before sowing

• Cold stratification (30–60 days) may also enhance results

• Sow in spring or fall

• Germinates in 2–4 weeks after pre-treatment

Note: Deep-rooted seedlings establish slowly in year one but become drought-tolerant perennials.