Woad seeds
€2.95
Woad (Isatis tinctoria) is offered here as a seed packet of approximately 40 seeds (0.35g). A biennial herb native to Europe and long naturalised in parts of Ireland, it is renowned since ancient times as a natural source of blue dye. In its first year it forms a rosette of bluish-green leaves; in the second, tall flower spikes 1–1.5m high carry masses of fragrant yellow blossom loved by bees and other pollinators. Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, it self-seeds readily where allowed, suiting naturalistic and regenerative plantings. Woad leaves are not edible and were historically used for dye rather than food, so should never be ingested. A striking plant of deep heritage for Irish and UK dye gardens and wildlife borders.
Quantity
Only 4 left in stock
Sowing Instructions
Sow outdoors from March to May, or in autumn for spring germination, in full sun and well-drained soil. Cover lightly with fine compost, about 1cm deep, and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 10–20 days. Thin or transplant to 30–40cm spacing once large enough to handle. Leaves are for dye extraction only and are not edible, so handle responsibly. Store seed cool and dry until sowing.
