Blue False Indigo
Baptisia australis
Fabaceae · perennial · native
Last updated
Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Quick Facts
Height
5 ft
Growth Rate
Slow
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Moist
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 3a–9b
Bloom Time
May to June
Origin
Eastern North America
Phenological Calendar
As of April 20, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1373.1 to 1531.6 GDD₃₂. Blue False Indigo typically reaches 'first bloom' at 1638 GDD₃₂, predicted around Apr 27.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 20, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,532 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 106 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,493 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 145 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,472 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 166 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,444 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 194 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,417 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 221 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,411 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 227 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,373 | Pre-season | 'First bloom' | 265 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ○ 'First bloom' BBCH '61' NEXT | 1638 | '' est. Apr 27 (forecast) |
Range: 1018–1280 GDD₃₂
(6yr)
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 20, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 6, 2026, then climate normals.