Woad seeds
€2.95
Woad (Isatis tinctoria) — (approx. 40 seeds per packet) is a biennial herb native to Europe and long naturalised in parts of Ireland. Renowned since ancient times as a natural source of blue dye, it also holds great value as a pollinator-friendly plant and a striking ornamental in its own right. In its first year, woad forms a rosette of bluish-green leaves; in the second, it sends up tall flower spikes 1–1.5 metres high, bearing masses of fragrant yellow blossoms beloved by bees and other insects.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, woad is hardy and drought-tolerant once established. It self-seeds readily if allowed, making it ideal for naturalistic and regenerative plantings. Both beautiful and useful, it’s a plant of deep heritage — once central to traditional dye-making and now valued again for its ecological and cultural richness.
⚠️ Note: Woad leaves are not edible and were historically used for dye extraction rather than food. Handle responsibly and avoid ingestion.
Quantity
Sowing instructions
Seeds are large, winged, and easy to handle. Sow outdoors from March to May or in autumn for spring germination. Cover lightly with fine compost, about 1 cm deep, and keep moist until seedlings emerge (in 10–20 days). Thin or transplant to 30–40 cm spacing once large enough to handle. Store seeds cool and dry until sowing.
⚠️ Note: Woad leaves are not edible and were historically used for dye extraction rather than food. Handle responsibly and avoid ingestion.
