Also known as False Indigo · 3.1k saves
Baptisia
Baptisia, the genus most gardeners know as false indigo. We track 38 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Baptisia varieties
See all 38 Baptisia varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Baptisia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Baptisia in Sow
Save the Baptisia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Baptisia
Whats common across all Baptisia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 38 most-grown of them.
The Baptisia year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October71% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall; dislikes transplanting once established
- Spring CleanupFebruary61% of varieties
Cut old woody stems back to 4-6 inches before new growth begins
- PruneOctober53% of varieties
Cut old stems back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges.
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape the plant
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Provide at least 6 hours of full sun for sturdy stems.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Don't try to divide or transplant established clumps.
What goes wrong with Baptisia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Genista Broom Moth Caterpillar | Webbing on new growth, stripped leaves. | Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for organic control. |
| Weevils | Small notches chewed along the edges of the leaves. | Damage is almost always purely cosmetic and does not harm the plant's health. No control is necessary. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Use organic fungicide and ensure good air circulation |
Making more Baptisia
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, approximately 2 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in warm, shaded area for 6 weeks until roots form.
Baptisia questions
How many types of Baptisia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 38 distinct Baptisia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Baptisia grow in?
Across its varieties, Baptisia covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Baptisia bloom?
Most Baptisia varieties bloom in late spring, late spring to early summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Baptisia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.