HOLLYHOCK SEEDS – Alcea rosea

(Eco & Floral Printing Plant)
Dye Colour: Blue to Purple | Produced in: Ireland

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) produce dramatic, deep wine-red to near-black flowers carried on tall, elegant stems that can reach up to 3 m in height. Flowering from summer through autumn, they are both a striking garden plant and a valued resource for eco printing and floral printing, where they can yield expressive blue to purple prints.

These short-lived perennials thrive in sunny positions and reward growers with an extended flowering season. Due to their height, they benefit from thoughtful placement and some shelter from strong winds.

Dye fastness: Poor to Medium

🌱 Basic Growing Information

Sowing period
Spring or late summer

Germination time
2–3 weeks at approx. 20 °C (68 °F)

Height
Up to 3 m (10 ft)

Preferred location
Full sun with well-drained soil

✂️ Harvesting for Dye & Printing

Flowers can be harvested continuously throughout the flowering season. They may be used fresh or dried for eco printing and floral printing applications.

📦 Additional Details

Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland
Germination rate: 43%
Approx. 25 seeds per packet
Irish seed licence: IE010713

Please note: Seeds and plants can only be shipped within Europe.

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CALENDULA SEEDS – Calendula officinalis

(Pot Marigold)
Dye Colour: Yellow to Orange | Produced in: Ireland

Calendula officinalis, commonly known as Pot Marigold, is a generous and easy-to-grow dye plant producing abundant yellow and orange flowers over a long flowering season. Its bright petals are valued for eco printing and natural dyeing, where they create warm, soft tones and expressive botanical marks.

Although technically a short-lived perennial, Calendula is best grown as an annual for reliable flowering and continuous harvest. Reaching up to 80 cm in height, it fits well into both dedicated dye gardens and mixed planting schemes.

Colour fastness: Poor to Medium

🌱 Basic Growing Information

Sowing period
March to April or August to September

Germination time
14–21 days at 18–20 °C (65–70 °F)

Height
Up to 80 cm (31 in)

Preferred location
Full sun with moist, well-drained soil

✂️ Harvesting for Dye & Printing

Harvest flower heads regularly throughout the season to encourage continued blooming. Petals may be used fresh or dried for dyeing and eco printing.

📦 Additional Details

Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland
Germination rate: 61%
Approx. 25 seeds per packet
Irish seed licence: IE010713

Please note: Seeds and plants can only be shipped within Europe.

Join The Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share your experiences and get support from fellow growers.