California False Indigo Seeds

sold out California false indigo represents a distinct species of an amazing nitrogen fixing plant rarely found in cultivation. I was surprised to find it completely hardy in Michigan. It is possible my packet of seeds from a well known arboretum hybridized as often the species are actually considered very similar subspecies with slight variations in flowers, stature or leaf structure. The seed plants from my planting run from 8-15 ft. tall and are in a location where minus 25 F hit twice in the last 30 years. This species tends to produce very vigorous seedlings.  Seed can be direct seeded into rock, sand or other impossible soil conditions. Seed should be lightly covered. Plants are fairly tolerant to grass competition and will eventually form a colony. Further selection can be done to produce even more vigorous seed producers for land reclamation, tough soil conditions and interplanting in orchards or other agroforestry possibilities. 

Germination: Seed does not have a dormancy so all you need to do is plant and wait 2-3 weeks for sprouting to occur. Very easy to get a high germination with this seed. A small portion of the seed will sprout the following year. The bacterial action of the soil will help break down the seed coat causing it to sprout. The seeds include the pods which are attached very tightly to the seed. The pod is a paper like substance and will not interfere with germination. There is no need to remove it before planting. Germination takes 2-3 weeks and will continue over a long period of time.  Plant: 1/4 inch deep or less. Seeds will sprout as the soil temperatures increase during the summer.