JAPANESE INDIGO

Polygonum tinctorium

This species belongs to the knotweed family, although it is not invasive. Japanese Indigo is an annual whose foliage can be harvested several times throughout the season and will produce a nice spectrum of blue, green and yellow dyes.

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost: sow seeds just below soil surface, pressing gently to keep seed snug; mist generously; cover with plastic; kept warm (70F) and moist in bright light, seeds germinate in 1-3 weeks. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual containers. Plant outdoors in fertile garden soil after the last frost. Space plants 1' apart. First harvest may be had when foliage is 1'-2' high and turns blue when bruised. Harvest above first several nodes to allow for regrowth.

Best used fresh. Prepare dye bath in advance of harvesting.

Packet contains at least 100 seeds.