Thai Blue Butterfly Pea: Interesting Information You Must Know

Details about the Thai Blue Butterfly Pea Plant

Variety/Seed Information

Baker Creek Seeds (2025) Thai Blue Butterfly Pea

Start date: 2/23/2025

Planting Depth & Spacing

I’m not sure which one I will do, so I’m leaving both here for now.

For Zones 9+: Direct sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.

For Zones 8 and lower (my area): plant Thai Blue Butterfly Pea Plant seedlings 6 to 10 inches apart and at the same level as in their original pot.

If growing butterfly pea plants in pots, choose a container 6 inches deep and 12 to 14 inches in diameter.

watering schedule

Water when the soil feels dry, which you can check by sticking your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. More water will be needed when it’s hot.

fertilization information

• Use a balanced fertilizer with a high phosphorus ratio to promote blooms. 
• You can also use well-aged compost or manure when planting. 
• For potted plants, you can use an NPK liquid fertilizer higher in potassium and phosphorus. 

Sunlight and Climate

• The Thai Blue Butterfly Pea plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day 
• The plant does best in full sun
• The plant’s sunbathing needs may change with the seasons 

• The plant is very cold-sensitive and doesn’t like frost 
• The plant flourishes in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 95°F (20°C to 35°C) 

Pests

Spider Mites: You should also attract helpful bugs and use a combination of neem oil and insecticidal soap.

Whiteflies: Use neem oil or a strong water spray to dislodge aphids and whiteflies. Encouraging ladybugs is also a good idea.

Mealybugs: Avoid overwatering and excessive fertilization, and keep the ant population in control. You can also use an insecticidal spray on the plants.

Scale insects: Regularly prune away excess foliage and dead branches to improve air circulation and get helpful bugs in your garden (ladybugs). Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Fungus Gnats or Fruit Flies: Lots of advice here! Including Proper clean up and watering of your plants, Placing sticky traps in the soil, and using diluted neem oil and diatomaceous earth on the soil.

Days to Germination & Maturity

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) seeds can germinate in 10–21 days, depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Growth and Health

• Butterfly pea plants can take 90 days to reach maturity 
• Butterfly pea can grow up to 15 feet tall and spread rapidly. 
• It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. 
• To encourage more blooms, regularly deadhead spent flowers. 

Taste & Cooking Notes

The Thai Blue Butterfly Pea flower has a mild, earthy, and slightly floral with subtle grassy notes. It’s not bitter, making it a great base for adding other flavors (such as citrus).

Lessons Learned About the Thai Blue Butterfly Pea Plant & Next Season’s Ideas

Coming soon! But for now, check out other items we’re growing in the garden.