How to Grow Aparajita Plant at home (Clitoria ternatea) at Home
Aparajita Plant, also known as Clitoria ternatea or blue butterfly pea, is a fast-growing vine known for its vibrant blue or white flowers. It’s popular in Indian households for religious, medicinal, and ornamental use.
This complete guide covers everything you need — from choosing seeds to harvesting blooms. Whether you’re a beginner or a home gardener, follow these practical steps to grow healthy Aparajita plants in your garden or balcony.
🌱 What is the Aparajita Plant?
Aparajita Plant is a perennial creeper from the Fabaceae family.
It’s widely grown in tropical and subtropical climates.
The plant produces vivid blue or white flowers that bloom year-round in warm weather.
The most popular variety has a single deep blue flower, often used in pujas and herbal teas.
It also goes by names like Asian pigeonwings, Shankhpushpi, or butterfly pea.
Known for its low maintenance and quick growth, the plant can be grown in pots, grow bags, or directly in the ground.
It has medicinal properties and is used in Ayurveda for improving memory, reducing stress, and aiding digestion.
☀️ Best Climate and Season for Growing Aparajita
Aparajita Plant thrives in tropical and warm-temperate zones.
The ideal temperature range is 20°C to 35°C.
Best Season to Grow:
- Spring (Feb–Apr)
- Monsoon (July–Sep)
Avoid sowing in peak winters or during frost. It cannot tolerate prolonged cold.
If you’re in North India, plant it after the last frost.
In South India, you can plant it almost year-round.
🌿 Soil Preparation and Pot Selection
Aparajita Plant needs well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6–7).
Best Soil Mix:
- 40% garden soil
- 30% cocopeat or compost
- 30% sand or perlite for drainage
Pot Requirements:
- Minimum 8-12 inch deep container
- Ensure drainage holes at the bottom
- Use a grow bag or vertical planter if space is limited
Loosen the soil before sowing. Mix in organic compost like vermicompost or cow dung for better growth.
🌱 How to Grow Aparajita from Seeds or Cuttings
From Seeds:
- Soak seeds in water overnight.
- Sow 1 cm deep in moist soil.
- Keep in partial shade until sprouting (7–10 days).
- Transplant once 4–5 inches tall.
From Cuttings:
- Take a 6–8 inch softwood cutting.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist soil and cover with a plastic bag.
- Rooting takes 2–3 weeks.
Seeds are more commonly used. Cuttings give faster results if taken from healthy plants.
💧 Watering and Sunlight Requirements
Watering:
- Water once every 2–3 days in summer.
- Reduce in winter to prevent root rot.
- Always check topsoil before watering.
Sunlight:
- Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Grows best on sunny balconies or terraces.
- Partial shade can reduce flowering.
Use a support like a trellis or wire as it grows like a climber.
🌾 Fertilizer and Organic Care Tips
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost every 15–20 days.
Recommended:
- Vermicompost – for overall growth
- Banana peel fertilizer – improves flowering
- Neem cake powder – pest deterrent
Avoid over-fertilizing as it may boost leaves but delay flowering.
Mulch with dry leaves or straw to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
🐛 Common Pests and Disease Management
Aparajita is hardy but can face minor issues.
Common Pests:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Caterpillars
Solutions:
- Spray neem oil every 10 days
- Use garlic-chili spray for organic pest control
- Remove infected leaves immediately
Diseases like powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions.
Use diluted baking soda spray (1 tsp per liter of water) weekly.
Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal infections.
🌼 Flowering Season and Harvesting Tips
Aparajita Plant flowers start appearing 45–60 days after planting.
Flowering Peaks:
- Spring and post-monsoon
- Blooms daily in warm, sunny conditions
Flowers open in the morning and close by evening.
Pluck fresh flowers early for rituals or drying.
To prolong blooming:
- Regularly prune old stems
- Deadhead spent flowers
Flowers can be stored by drying in shade for 5–7 days.
Keep in an airtight jar for later use in teas or powders.
🌸 Uses and Benefits of Aparajita Plant Flowers
Aparajita Plant is more than ornamental.
Popular Uses:
- Herbal tea – antioxidant-rich, stress-relieving
- Hair oil – reduces dandruff and hair fall
- Puja rituals – especially in South India
- Natural dye – used in food and fabric coloring
It also holds Ayurvedic value:
- Improves brain function
- Reduces anxiety and fatigue
- Supports liver and digestion health
The flower is caffeine-free and safe for regular use.
❓ FAQs on Growing Aparajita at Home
Q1. Can Aparajita Plant grow indoors?
Only with bright light or grow lights. It needs full sun for flowering.
Q2. How long does it take to flower?
Usually 45–60 days from seed.
Q3. Can I grow it in hanging pots?
Yes, but provide downward space or a railing for support.
Q4. Is the blue variety better than white?
Both grow well, but blue is more popular for tea and rituals.
Q5. How long does the plant live?
Aparajita Plant can live 2–3 years with good care.
Also checkout the organic fertilizer for better results -:
Buy Organic Vermicompost – 100% Natural Soil Booster for 3X Growth
Bharat Bio Gold – 100% Organic Fertilizer for 3X Crop Yield
Top 3 Benefits of Coco Peat | Organic & Eco-Friendly Growing Medium
Top 10 Indoor Plants – Stylish, Easy, Air-Purifying
Top 5 Mitti Pots for Healthy Cooking | Eco-Friendly Clay Cookware
Top 7 Ceramic Pots for Home Décor | Elegant & Durable Planters
Top 5 Colorful Cemented Pots for Garden & Home
Top 5 Green Grow Bags for Gardening – Reusable & Eco-Friendly
Top 10 Decorative Plant Pots – Stylish & Durable Options
Mustard Cake Fertilizer – 100% Organic Plant Booster for Bigger Blooms
Vermiwash – 100% Organic Liquid Fertilizer for 2X Plant Growth
Cold-Pressed Neem Oil – 100% Organic Insect Control for 30+ Pests
BharatKhaad Organic Bone Powder – 2X Root & Flower Growth Naturally
Neem Khali – 100% Organic Pest & Soil Solution for Healthier Crops