The months of July and August are not always the most pleasant times for tending the vegetable garden. While we are still able to grow and harvest some well known edibles like peppers and okra, it is always fun to add something different to the garden beds. The Butterfly pea, Clitoria ternatea, is just the plant that will grow in our heat and is very showy.

Butterfly pea is started from seeds once the soil is warm. Plants will twine themselves around many types of trellises or garden supports.  It can be a companion with other vining plants since it grows well in sun or partial shade. As a legume, Butterfly pea has the ability to fix nitrogen, improving soil health and supporting better plant growth.

Although you may enjoy Butterfly pea as an ornamental, flowers can be harvested to make tea.  Steep about 8 fresh flowers in boiling water to produce a beautiful drink from the garden.

Many online sources will offer selections of both single and double flowers in vivid blue, white, and lavender. Once growing, plants can reseed directly in the garden or you can save seeds for planting anytime during the warm season.

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