Black Coral Pea Kennedia nigricans

Water

The Black Coral Pea enjoys a moderate watering schedule, typically requiring watering once a week during its growing season. Adjust the frequency to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as the plant is drought-tolerant once established. During the hot season, water it with approximately 1-2 gallons per week for an established plant, reducing the amount during the cooler months or when rainfall is sufficient. Young plants may need more frequent watering to ensure steady growth, but always avoid over-watering to prevent root rot.

Light

The Black Coral Pea thrives best in full sun to partial shade, preferring to receive at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The ideal spot would be a location that offers morning sun and some afternoon shade, or a bright spot with dappled sunlight that mimics its natural, open woodland habitat.

Temperature

The Black Coral Pea is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it prefers conditions between 50°F and 85°F for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 30°F, but frost may damage the foliage. Ensure to protect the plant or provide suitable cover if temperatures are expected to fall below the tolerance range.

Pruning

Pruning the Black Coral Pea is essential to maintain its shape, encourage new growth, and prevent it from becoming overgrown. It should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning can be done annually, focusing on removing dead or weak stems, and lightly shaping the plant as needed. After flowering, a light trim can help promote a second flush of blooms.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Black Coral Pea thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A suitable mix could consist of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or aged manure to add fertility.

Repotting

Black Coral Pea should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, usually in spring before the onset of the vigorous growth period.

Humidity & Misting

Black Coral Pea prefers a moderate humidity level and will thrive outdoors in its natural environment where it can typically receive this without additional help.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, minimal water.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Commonly known as the Black Coral Pea, Kennedia nigricans begins its life as a seed which requires scarification to break its dormancy, a process that may naturally occur through fire or the passage through an animal's digestive system. After germination, triggered by adequate moisture, warmth, and the scarification process, a small root emerges to anchor the plant and seek nutrients, followed by the development of a shoot that grows upwards, photosynthesizing to fuel further growth. The vine then progresses through a vegetative stage, marked by the growth of distinctive three-lobed leaves, twining stems that seek support, and an extensive root system. Once mature, typically within a few years, it starts the reproductive phase with the emergence of striking black and yellow pea-shaped flowers which attract pollinators such as bees. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seed pods containing seeds that, when mature, are released into the surrounding environment to start the next generation of plants. Finally, after many years, the perennial vine may eventually senesce and die, although parts of the plant can regrow from the root system or dropped seeds may germinate to ensure the continuation of the species.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Kennedia nigricans, commonly known as the Black Coral Pea, is through seed. To propagate by seed, it's best to do so in the fall or early spring. Prior to sowing, seeds of the Black Coral Pea benefit from pre-treatment to soften their hard coats which enables water absorption and germination. This can be done by soaking the seeds in warm water (about 122°F or 50°C) for a span of 24 hours or until they swell. Once treated, the seeds are sown in well-draining soil, just shallow enough to allow light to stimulate germination, typically less than a quarter of an inch (6 millimeters) deep. Seedlings emerge in one to three weeks if kept under warm and moist conditions. When the young plants have grown strong enough to handle, they are transplanted to their final growing positions, ensuring they have support for climbing.