Starting Indigo Seeds Indoors Versus Outdoors

Q: I have some indigo seeds and I cannot find any information about starting them outdoors. Do I have to soak and start indoors? I live in northern California and there is no frost and it is nice and sunny. Can I plant them outdoors this week?

A: I'd recommend starting the seeds indoors and keeping a tight eye on the water levels (DO NOT LET THE SEEDLINGS DRY OUT).

I've never directly sown the seeds outdoors but that could work as well, as long as you maintain good moist soil. The overnight soak will definitely help to kick-start things. I've found that pill-bugs LOVE to eat the young leaves so be wary of that and set some traps for them if you can. Over-plant, then you'll want to thin to about 10"-12" on center for your final density of plants.

Here in Los Angeles my plants volunteer from fallen seed of last year's crop. My plants start to grow in December when the rains return and they are almost ready for the first harvest of leaves in May. I think you could get onto a similar cycle up there as long as you never get frost.