Butterfly Pea Double Purple is an ornamental climbing vine grown for its purple flowers with a layered double form. Also known as Double Purple Aparajita, the extra petals create rounded, fuller-looking blooms among the vine’s green leaves.

The plant grows well during Pakistan’s spring and monsoon seasons and climbs by twining around grills, fences, arches and trellises. Its strong flower colour makes it well suited to entrances, courtyards and balcony supports where the blooms can add noticeable vertical colour.

💐 Growing Guide

1. Sowing
   • Soak the seeds in water for 8 to 12 hours, or gently scratch the hard outer coat before sowing.
   • Sow about ½ to 1 inch deep in a light, well-draining growing mix.
   • Sow directly beside a permanent climbing support or start each seed in a separate small pot.
2. Germination & Transplanting
   • Seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days in warm conditions, although some may take 2 to 3 weeks.
   • Keep the growing mix lightly moist but not waterlogged.
   • Once seedlings develop 2 to 3 true leaves, transplant them carefully.
   • Keep the soil around the roots intact to reduce transplant stress.
3. Spacing & Container Size
   • Space vines about 8 to 12 inches apart along a fence or trellis.
   • For one vine, use a container at least 12 to 14 inches wide and 10 to 12 inches deep.
   • Use a larger, heavier pot when growing several vines or attaching a tall support.
4. Sunlight, Support & Watering
   • Give the vine plenty of direct sunlight for healthy growth and regular flowering.
   • Provide a grill, fence, arch or trellis while the plant is young.
   • Guide new stems onto the support as they lengthen.
   • Water when the upper layer of soil begins to dry, keeping the root area moist but not soggy.
   • Make sure excess rainwater drains freely during the monsoon.
5. Pruning, Pests & Flower Care
   • Pinch the growing tips or lightly trim long stems to encourage more branching.
   • Remove dry flowers to keep the vine tidy.
   • Check young leaves and shoots for aphids, mites and other sap-feeding pests.
   • Use neem oil only when pests appear.
   • Leave selected pods to mature when you want to collect seeds.

Additional Information

Other Names: Double Purple Butterfly Pea, Double Purple Aparajita, Purple Double Petal Aparajita, Clitoria ternatea Double Purple

Best Sowing Time: Sow from February to April in many parts of Punjab and Sindh after cold weather has passed. It may also be sown during the monsoon where rainfall is regular and drainage is good. In cooler northern areas, sow once the soil and nights become warm.

Flower Form: Double flowers with extra petals and a layered centre.

Growth Habit: A twining vine that climbs nearby structures with support.

Main Use: Ornamental flowering vine for vertical garden spaces.

Life Cycle: A tropical perennial vine that may continue growing for more than one season in warm locations but can be damaged by winter cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Double Purple Butterfly Pea?

This variety produces purple flowers with extra petals, creating a fuller double bloom instead of a simple single-petal form.

Can Double Purple Butterfly Pea grow in a pot?

Yes. It grows well in a deep container with good drainage and a firm climbing support. Keep the pot in a sunny position and do not allow the growing mix to remain waterlogged.

Why is my Double Purple Butterfly Pea growing leaves but few flowers?

Too little direct sunlight or frequent use of high-nitrogen fertiliser can encourage leafy growth instead of flowering. Give the vine more sun and lightly trim long shoots to encourage branching.

Does Double Purple Butterfly Pea need climbing support?

Yes. Its stems climb by wrapping around nearby structures. Provide a grill, fence, arch or trellis early so the vine grows upward neatly.