Also known as Indigo · 108 saves
Indigofera
Indigofera, the genus most gardeners know as indigo. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Indigofera varieties
Species of Indigofera
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Indigofera in Sow
Save the Indigofera you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Indigofera
Whats common across all Indigofera varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Indigofera year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Cut back hard (to 6-12 inches) in late winter/early spring to encourage vigorous new growth.
- MulchMarch83% of varieties
Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base in spring.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October33% of varieties
Transplant or plant new specimens in spring or early fall.
- PropagateMay and June33% of varieties
Propagate new plants using softwood cuttings
- Spring CleanupFebruary33% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged stems before new growth begins
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to shape plant
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply fertilizer in spring
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning, leading to leggy growth
- Use chemical pesticides unnecessarily
- Overwater in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Indigofera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Bumps on stems | Use horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply neem oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at base | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
Making more Indigofera
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep humidity high for 4 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain consistent moisture for 6 weeks.
- Transplant seedlings when strong.
Indigofera questions
How many types of Indigofera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Indigofera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 108 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Indigofera grow in?
Across its varieties, Indigofera covers USDA Zones 5–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Indigofera bloom?
Most Indigofera varieties bloom in mid-summer, late spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Indigofera 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.