Planting Guide: How to Grow Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans) from Seed
Black Coral Pea planting advice, step-by-step sowing guide, different varieties, and aftercare.
Flower Variety Identification
Common Name: Black Coral Pea
Scientific Name: Kennedia nigricans
Family: Legumes
When to plant Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans) in your climate
Not sure what your climate is? See our climate charts.
Cool: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Temperate: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Sub-Tropical: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Tropical: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Arid: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Step by Step guide to growing Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans)
1. Choosing the Right Time to Plant
Black Coral Pea is best planted in spring or early summer when the temperatures are warmer. In colder regions, it’s a good idea to start the seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors once the weather has warmed up.
When to plant:
- Indoor sowing: Start seeds indoors in early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Outdoor sowing: Once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed.
2. Selecting the Ideal Location
Black Coral Pea thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It grows best in well-drained soil, though it can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Since it’s a climbing plant, be sure to plant it near a structure such as a trellis, wall, or fence that the vine can cling to as it grows.
Location needs:
- Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight is ideal)
- Well-drained soil, although it’s tolerant of poor or clay soils
- A support structure like a trellis or fence for the plant to climb
3. Preparing the Soil
Black Coral Pea can tolerate various soil conditions, but it thrives best in well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, adding compost or sand will help improve drainage.
Steps for soil preparation:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 25cms.
- Remove any rocks, weeds, or debris from the planting area.
- Mix in organic compost to enrich the soil and improve its structure.
4. Sowing Black Coral Pea Seeds
Black Coral Pea seeds have a tough outer coating that can slow down germination. To improve germination rates, scarify the seeds by soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing.
Indoor sowing method:
- Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Sow the seeds about 5mm deep, covering them lightly with soil.
- Mist the soil lightly with water and place the trays in a warm, bright location.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and germination should occur within 2-4 weeks.
Direct sowing method:
- After the last frost, prepare the planting area and sow the seeds directly into the soil at a depth of about 5mm.
- Water gently to keep the soil moist until germination occurs.
- Thin seedlings to about 50cm apart once they are a few inches tall.
5. Watering and Care During Germination
Black Coral Pea needs consistent moisture during its early growth stages. Once established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering.
Watering tips:
- Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and early growth, but avoid waterlogging.
- Once the plant is established, water deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
6. Supporting Black Coral Pea as It Grows
As a fast-growing climber, black Coral Pea will need support to help it grow upright and spread. Provide a trellis, fence, or pergola for the plant to twine around as it matures. If you’re growing it near a wall, you may need to gently guide the plant’s tendrils onto the structure until it begins to grow naturally.
Three Growing Tips
1. Scarify Seeds for Better Germination:
Black Coral Pea seeds have a tough seed coat, so scarifying them by gently rubbing them with sandpaper or soaking them in warm water will help improve germination rates.
2. Provide Adequate Support Early On:
Since black Coral Pea is a vigorous climber, providing a support structure like a trellis, fence, or pergola early in its growth will allow it to twine and spread properly. This will also help prevent the vine from sprawling on the ground and becoming untidy.
3. Avoid Overwatering:
Black Coral Pea is drought-tolerant once established, so be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and water deeply rather than frequently.
Common Diseases and Pests
Although black Coral Pea is relatively hardy and resistant to many pests and diseases, a few issues can arise, especially if the plant is not given the right growing conditions.
Root Rot:
Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, which can cause wilting and eventually kill the plant. To avoid root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid water logging the plant.
Aphids:
These small sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth and flower buds, stunting plant growth. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
Powdery Mildew:
Powdery mildew can occur if the plant is grown in overly humid or shady conditions. It apPears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
Slugs and Snails:
Young black Coral Pea plants can be susceptible to slugs and snails, which feed on the tender leaves and stems. Use slug bait or physical barriers like copper tape to protect your plants.
Spider Mites:
In hot, dry conditions, spider mites may infest the plant, causing yellowing and speckling on the leaves. Control spider mites by increasing humidity or spraying the plant with a water jet to dislodge the pests.
Aftercare For Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans)
Once your black Coral Pea is established, it requires minimal care. With proper watering, occasional pruning, and support, this plant will continue to thrive and produce vibrant flowers year after year.
Watering:
After the plant is established, reduce watering to once a week or less, depending on rainfall. Black Coral Pea is drought-tolerant, so be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Pruning:
Prune your black Coral Pea regularly to keep it tidy and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged growth, and trim back long, leggy vines as needed to maintain the desired shape.
Fertilising:
Black Coral Pea is not a heavy feeder, but applying a slow-release fertiliser in spring can promote vigorous growth and flowering.
Support:
As the plant grows, guide its tendrils onto the support structure to help it climb. Regularly check the vines to ensure they are growing in the right direction and aren’t becoming tangled.
Mulching:
Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool. Use organic mulch like bark chips or straw, but keep the mulch away from the stem to prevent rot.
