Indigo
Indigofera pseudotinctoriafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. C1DC — Indigofera pseudotinctoria
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IOverview
Overview
Indigofera pseudotinctoria, commonly known as Indigo, is a light-loving, moisture-tolerant shrub native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Nansei-shoto. This plant thrives in light (sandy) and medium soils with full sun exposure, making it hardy from zones 6-10. Known for its edible flowers and leaves, Indigo is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 1 meter in height, adding a touch of color and texture to gardens while providing culinary benefits.
Quick answers
What is Indigo?
Indigofera pseudotinctoria, commonly known as Indigo, is a light-loving, moisture-tolerant shrub native to regions including China North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, and Nansei-shoto.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indigo thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It grows best in zones 6-10 and reaches a height of about 1 meter. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. This plant is native to regions including China, Japan, Korea, and Manchuria, making it adaptable to similar climates.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-10
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Indigo for the first time
8steps
Start with Indigo by providing it the right conditions and care, focusing on basic gardening techniques.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is workable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light, sandy or medium soil. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 30-45 cm apart. Transplant young plants when they have several leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Keep the area weed-free.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Harvest leaves and flowers when needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough sunlight, and using the wrong soil type.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The flowers and leaves of Indigofera pseudotinctoria are edible. Typically, the leaves can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. The flowers are often used fresh in various dishes, adding a mild flavor to meals. Both parts can also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native· 1 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Taiwan
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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