Tephrosia candida, commonly known as white tephrosia or white hoary pea, is a nitrogen-fixing legume shrub native to tropical India. The species exhibits innate seed dormancy that is effectively overcome by mechanical scarification combined with hot water soaking. With proper seed treatment and warm growing conditions, this species achieves very high germination rates (95-100%) and typically germinates within 2-4 weeks.
Before sowing
Scarify seeds mechanically, then soak in warm water for 4-5 hours. Alternative: soak in boiled water for 30 seconds to 5 minutes for optimal dormancy alleviation
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Use fresh seeds for optimal germination rates as viability decreases rapidly; sow just before or during the rainy season for best field results; maintain consistent soil moisture during germination without waterlogging; the species prefers well-drained soils and does not tolerate frost or waterlogging; seeds stored at cool, dry conditions (13% moisture) retain viability for 3+ years; this legume provides excellent nitrogen fixation and soil improvement benefits.
Sources: World Agroforestry Centre, PROSEA Plant Resources, PlantaeDB, ResearchGate peer-reviewed studies on Tephrosia seed germination and treatment
