Ever wanted to grow a versatile flower? Beautiful butterfly pea flower can be used for tea, dying or adding color to baked goods.
How did I decide I wanted to grow the beautiful butterfly pea flower? When I first saw butterfly pea in a tea from a popular tea company, I was curious. The tea was a color changing tea, and I want to know how that was possible. I did some research and found that the butterfly pea reacts when an acid, like lemon, is added to the tea. My mind was blown, and my next thought was – can I grow my own butterfly pea flower?
This week is my 2nd week in my 3 part grow your own tea series. Todays post will cover butterfly pea flower and hopefully by the end of this post, you will be inspired to grow it in your garden!
Why Grow Beautiful Butterfly Pea Flowers?
Butterfly pea flowers are most notably known for it’s vibrant blue color. For years, these flowers have been used for dying, tea, and medicinal use. More recently, this flower has become popular thanks to it’s color changing properties. After learning about this flower, I knew I had to grow it. Of course, I purchased my seeds from Baker Creek.
Butterfly pea flowers allow people to create a beautiful blue dye, naturally! In addition, there are some beliefs that the flowers contain antioxidants, medicinal properties, and hydration. An article from health line goes into further detail about the benefits.
Tips To Grow Butterfly Pea Flowers
- Scarify seeds by nicking and soak for 24 hours prior to planting – this helps with germination
- Start seeds indoors 10 weeks prior to planting outdoors
- Vining plant that prefers full sun
- Plant about 4″ apart and use a trellis
Harvesting Beautiful Butterfly Pea Flowers
Like other plants you harvest and dry, butterfly pea flowers need to be harvested carefully. After the flowers have bloomed and slightly shriveled and starting to dry on the vine. Carefully pinch the base of the flower and pull the flower off. Then you should see a pod starting to form after the flower is removed.
Additionally if you are hoping to save seeds, the pods need to grow and dry on the vine. Of course the pods will look similar to other pea pods and need to be watched. Watch the pods when they start to dry to ensure they don’t split open and spill the seeds!
In addition to harvesting carefully, you will need to let the flowers dry after harvesting. I recommend placing the flowers on a cheese cloth in a cool dark place for 2 weeks. After the flowers are dry, store in a airtight container in a cool dark place. Use for tea, dye or use the flowers for a pop of color on grits or salads.
What will you create with butterfly pea flowers? If you want a refreshing drink, try my color changing lemonade!
Check Out All The Posts In This Series:
- Grow Your Own Tea Series Announcement
- Complete Your Garden By Adding Chamomile
- Reward Yourself By Growing Beautiful Butterfly Pea Flower
- Grow Mint For A Guaranteed Fresh Cup Of Tea
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