Baptisia australis

Germination

Sow seed as soon as possible. Fresh seed germinates best. Prior to sowing chip or scarify seed. Either rub seed between 2 sheets of sandpaper or nick the seed coating with a sharp knife. Soak seeds for 12 hours in hot, not boiling water. Sow onto soil free compost 3:1 with grit. Cover with a little grit. Seed requires 6-12 weeks of cold. Either place in a cold frame in autumn or winter or cold stratify at 4°C. a fridge is ideal. Remove to warmth for germination. Germination takes 2-5 weeks at 20°C. Overwinter young plants in a cold frame. Acclimatise and plant out the following spring after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers an open, ideally sandy soil in full sun. Water until established, then quite drought tolerant.

Cultivation

Will self-seed freely. Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings. Cut down once foliage has blackened. Can be divided in spring if required.