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Hairy Indigo Seed
Back

Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.

Product Information

  • Application or Use: Pasture, Cattle Forage, Livestock Grazing, Cover Crop
  • Germination Time: 7 - 14 days, under optimal conditions
  • Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
  • Height: 2 - 5 feet
  • Sunlight Requirements: 6 - 8 hours, full sun for best results
  • Advantages: Reseeding annual, resistant to root-knot nematode, well adapted to sandy soil.
  • When to Plant: Recommended planting time is spring or summer when night time temperatures are consistently 65+ degrees and 3 months prior to first frost.

 

Product Details

  • Reseeding, summer annual legume 
  • Moderately resistant to root-knot nematode
  • Adapts to sandy soils that have good drainage
  • Grows on land that may be too dry for other legumes
  • Mainly used for grazing

*Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured. 

  

Product Information

Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) is an erect-growing, reseeding, summer annual legume that may grow 4 to 7 ft. tall if not grazed. Hairy Indigo germinates in late Spring and continues throughout the Summer.  It is generally considered a late emerging plant (late May through June.)  The plant is somewhat shrubby, and stems become very woody as the plant matures. Stems and leaves are covered with short, bristle-like hairs. It is moderately resistant to root-knot nematode. Hairy Indigo adapts to sandy soils that have good drainage, and grows on land that may be too dry for other legumes. It does not grow well on soils that flood for an extended period of time. Early-and-late-flowering types have been developed, but all are now marketed as common hairy indigo.

Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall for weaned calves or dry cows. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.

Cattle may reject hairy indigo when they are first placed in a pasture, but after one or more days, they begin grazing. After adapting to Hairy Indigo, cows and calves readily consume it. Cattle may develop sores on their feet and legs when grazing Hairy Indigo in the rainy season due to irritation of the wet skin of the cattle by the bristle-like hairs on the stems of the plants.

Back
Climate Zone(s)
Cool Season
Transition Zone
Warm Season
Coated or Raw
Raw
Fertilizer
Varies
GMO
No
Ideal pH
5 - 6
Inoculant needed
Yes
Life Cycle
Annual
Overseeding Rate
3 - 5 lbs per acre
Seeding depth
1/4 Inch
Seeding Rate
5 - 8 lbs. per acre
When to Plant
Spring
Back


Plant between April and July at a rate of 5 to 8 lbs. per acre.

Establishment and management procedures are similar to those for other warm-season annual legumes. Hairy Indigo is easy to establish and requires very little management afterwards. Hairy Indigo requires soil pH of 5 to 6; the plant will not grow well or persist on acidic soils. Liming may be required to achieve the optimum pH. Depending on soil test results, it may be better to apply dolomite (which also supplies magnesium) than lime. How much lime will be needed depends on the soil type and original or native pH of the soil. Contact your County Extension agent for help on how you can test your soil and determine your liming needs. For good establishment, 15 lbs. of seed per acre is recommended. Disking, rolling or packing the soil after broadcasting the seed, will give better establishment. Establishment and production can be enhanced with application of 30 and 60 lbs. per acre of P2O2 and K2O, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer is not required since Hairy Indigo is a legume and will produce its own nitrogen from the air. Due to its hardseededness, some seed may lie dormant in the soil for many years after being planted, and then germinate when the soil is disturbed.

To ensure that the plant reestablishes each year from seed, it is advisable to withdraw animals from the pasture or reduce grazing intensity two weeks before the plants begin to flower or in late Summer or early fall. This practice would allow some of the plants to go to seed. Grazing animals will help distribute the seeds in the pastures. The self-seeding nature of the plants is good from the forage standpoint, but it is a negative characteristic in terms of the weed potential of the plant. Consequently, vegetable and other row crop farmers often consider Hairy Indigo a weed. However, used as a cover crop or green manure crop, Hairy Indigo can effectively suppress nematodes that might otherwise seriously damage succeeding crops. Besides grazing, hairy indigo has also been used for hay and silage.

 

Hairy Indigo Seed

Hairy Indigo Seed Hairy Indigo Seed Hairy Indigo Seed Hairy Indigo Seed

Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.

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More Info
Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to...
Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients. Product Information Application or Use: Pasture, Cattle Forage, Livestock Grazing, Cover Crop Germination Time: 7 - 14 days, under optimal conditions Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season Height: 2 - 5 feet Sunlight Requirements: 6 - 8 hours, full sun for best results Advantages: Reseeding annual, resistant to root-knot nematode, well adapted to sandy soil. When to Plant: Recommended planting time is spring or summer when night time temperatures are consistently 65+ degrees and 3 months prior to first frost.   Product Details Reseeding, summer annual legume  Moderately resistant to root-knot nematode Adapts to sandy soils that have good drainage Grows on land that may be too dry for other legumes Mainly used for grazing *Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured.     Product Information Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) is an erect-growing, reseeding, summer annual legume that may grow 4 to 7 ft. tall if not grazed. Hairy Indigo germinates in late Spring and continues throughout the Summer.  It is generally considered a late emerging plant (late May through June.)  The plant is somewhat shrubby, and stems become very woody as the plant matures. Stems and leaves are covered with short, bristle-like hairs. It is moderately resistant to root-knot nematode. Hairy Indigo adapts to sandy soils that have good drainage, and grows on land that may be too dry for other legumes. It does not grow well on soils that flood for an extended period of time. Early-and-late-flowering types have been developed, but all are now marketed as common hairy indigo. Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall for weaned calves or dry cows. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.Cattle may reject hairy indigo when they are first placed in a pasture, but after one or more days, they begin grazing. After adapting to Hairy Indigo, cows and calves readily consume it. Cattle may develop sores on their feet and legs when grazing Hairy Indigo in the rainy season due to irritation of the wet skin of the cattle by the bristle-like hairs on the stems of the plants.
Climate Zone(s)
Cool Season
Transition Zone
Warm Season
Coated or Raw
Raw
Fertilizer
Varies
GMO
No
Ideal pH
5 - 6
Inoculant needed
Yes
Life Cycle
Annual
Overseeding Rate
3 - 5 lbs per acre
Seeding depth
1/4 Inch
Seeding Rate
5 - 8 lbs. per acre
When to Plant
Spring

Instructions

For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!

Plant between April and July at a rate of 5 to 8 lbs. per acre. Establishment and management procedures are similar to those for other warm-season annual legumes. Hairy Indigo is easy to establish and requires very little management afterwards. Hairy...
Plant between April and July at a rate of 5 to 8 lbs. per acre. Establishment and management procedures are similar to those for other warm-season annual legumes. Hairy Indigo is easy to establish and requires very little management afterwards. Hairy Indigo requires soil pH of 5 to 6; the plant will not grow well or persist on acidic soils. Liming may be required to achieve the optimum pH. Depending on soil test results, it may be better to apply dolomite (which also supplies magnesium) than lime. How much lime will be needed depends on the soil type and original or native pH of the soil. Contact your County Extension agent for help on how you can test your soil and determine your liming needs. For good establishment, 15 lbs. of seed per acre is recommended. Disking, rolling or packing the soil after broadcasting the seed, will give better establishment. Establishment and production can be enhanced with application of 30 and 60 lbs. per acre of P2O2 and K2O, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer is not required since Hairy Indigo is a legume and will produce its own nitrogen from the air. Due to its hardseededness, some seed may lie dormant in the soil for many years after being planted, and then germinate when the soil is disturbed. To ensure that the plant reestablishes each year from seed, it is advisable to withdraw animals from the pasture or reduce grazing intensity two weeks before the plants begin to flower or in late Summer or early fall. This practice would allow some of the plants to go to seed. Grazing animals will help distribute the seeds in the pastures. The self-seeding nature of the plants is good from the forage standpoint, but it is a negative characteristic in terms of the weed potential of the plant. Consequently, vegetable and other row crop farmers often consider Hairy Indigo a weed. However, used as a cover crop or green manure crop, Hairy Indigo can effectively suppress nematodes that might otherwise seriously damage succeeding crops. Besides grazing, hairy indigo has also been used for hay and silage.  
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Hairy Indigo Seed

3 reviews

Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.

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BULK SAVINGS  on orders over 250 lbs!
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Hairy Indigo Seed Description

Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.

Product Information

  • Application or Use: Pasture, Cattle Forage, Livestock Grazing, Cover Crop
  • Germination Time: 7 - 14 days, under optimal conditions
  • Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
  • Height: 2 - 5 feet
  • Sunlight Requirements: 6 - 8 hours, full sun for best results
  • Advantages: Reseeding annual, resistant to root-knot nematode, well adapted to sandy soil.
  • When to Plant: Recommended planting time is spring or summer when night time temperatures are consistently 65+ degrees and 3 months prior to first frost.

 

Product Details

  • Reseeding, summer annual legume 
  • Moderately resistant to root-knot nematode
  • Adapts to sandy soils that have good drainage
  • Grows on land that may be too dry for other legumes
  • Mainly used for grazing

*Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured. 

  

Product Information

Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsuta) is an erect-growing, reseeding, summer annual legume that may grow 4 to 7 ft. tall if not grazed. Hairy Indigo germinates in late Spring and continues throughout the Summer.  It is generally considered a late emerging plant (late May through June.)  The plant is somewhat shrubby, and stems become very woody as the plant matures. Stems and leaves are covered with short, bristle-like hairs. It is moderately resistant to root-knot nematode. Hairy Indigo adapts to sandy soils that have good drainage, and grows on land that may be too dry for other legumes. It does not grow well on soils that flood for an extended period of time. Early-and-late-flowering types have been developed, but all are now marketed as common hairy indigo.

Hairy indigo is mainly used for grazing, and growth is sometimes accumulated to furnish high-quality grazing in the fall for weaned calves or dry cows. Hairy indigo leaves are also nutritious for goats. Studies at the University of Florida showed that hairy indigo can produce up to 12 tons of dry matter per acre, which would contain about 20% crude protein and 50 to 60% digestibility. The leaves also contain high levels of mineral nutrients.

Cattle may reject hairy indigo when they are first placed in a pasture, but after one or more days, they begin grazing. After adapting to Hairy Indigo, cows and calves readily consume it. Cattle may develop sores on their feet and legs when grazing Hairy Indigo in the rainy season due to irritation of the wet skin of the cattle by the bristle-like hairs on the stems of the plants.

Climate Zone(s)
Cool Season
Transition Zone
Warm Season
Coated or Raw
Raw
Fertilizer
Varies
GMO
No
Ideal pH
5 - 6
Inoculant needed
Yes
Life Cycle
Annual
Overseeding Rate
3 - 5 lbs per acre
Seeding depth
1/4 Inch
Seeding Rate
5 - 8 lbs. per acre
When to Plant
Spring
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!

Plant between April and July at a rate of 5 to 8 lbs. per acre.

Establishment and management procedures are similar to those for other warm-season annual legumes. Hairy Indigo is easy to establish and requires very little management afterwards. Hairy Indigo requires soil pH of 5 to 6; the plant will not grow well or persist on acidic soils. Liming may be required to achieve the optimum pH. Depending on soil test results, it may be better to apply dolomite (which also supplies magnesium) than lime. How much lime will be needed depends on the soil type and original or native pH of the soil. Contact your County Extension agent for help on how you can test your soil and determine your liming needs. For good establishment, 15 lbs. of seed per acre is recommended. Disking, rolling or packing the soil after broadcasting the seed, will give better establishment. Establishment and production can be enhanced with application of 30 and 60 lbs. per acre of P2O2 and K2O, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen fertilizer is not required since Hairy Indigo is a legume and will produce its own nitrogen from the air. Due to its hardseededness, some seed may lie dormant in the soil for many years after being planted, and then germinate when the soil is disturbed.

To ensure that the plant reestablishes each year from seed, it is advisable to withdraw animals from the pasture or reduce grazing intensity two weeks before the plants begin to flower or in late Summer or early fall. This practice would allow some of the plants to go to seed. Grazing animals will help distribute the seeds in the pastures. The self-seeding nature of the plants is good from the forage standpoint, but it is a negative characteristic in terms of the weed potential of the plant. Consequently, vegetable and other row crop farmers often consider Hairy Indigo a weed. However, used as a cover crop or green manure crop, Hairy Indigo can effectively suppress nematodes that might otherwise seriously damage succeeding crops. Besides grazing, hairy indigo has also been used for hay and silage.

 

Customer Reviews
3.3 Based on 3 Reviews
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C
04/03/2024
Charlie
United States United States

Bad batch maybe?

This was planted spring/summer(2023) in Wisconsin. Nothing ever came up. Had a bunch of buckwheat that grew, but this didn't. Not sure if it was a bad batch of seed or we just didn't get enough rain for this to germination. Probably wouldn't try this again.

RM
06/26/2020
Rick M.
United States United States

Timing is everything

Hard to say much about the seeds since the property had been in a dry spell since they were put down. Have received a couple of spotty rains so hoping to see some appreciable growth in the next couple of weeks. Cameras now starting to show deer frequenting the plots so time will tell if it is for the Sunn Hemp and Hairy Indigo. Packaging was okay for the most part though one box had been crushed and the all paper bag had torn so some of the Sunn Hemp seed were out of the bag loose in the box.

08/05/2020

Hancock Seed

Hopefully you will get the rain you need! We are sure you will have great results! Thank you for your review!

TW
03/07/2019
Ted W.
United States

Hard to find Hairy Indigo

We ordered this for a client who was having a hard time finding it other places. Looking forward to planting season. Shipping was fast and greatly appreciated.

03/07/2019

Hancock Seed

Thank you Ted!

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