WOAD ‘BIRMINGHAM’ SEEDS – Isatis tinctoria

(Pastel Blue Indigo Variety)
Dye Colour: Pastel Blue | Produced in: Ireland

Woad ‘Birmingham’ is a distinctive variant of Isatis tinctoria, originally developed in Canada and now grown and selected in Ireland. Recognised for its crinkled, waxy foliage and reliable first-year performance, this variety produces soft, refined pastel-blue dye when harvested at the right stage.

In its second year, plants develop tall stems reaching around 1 m in height, followed by foamy clusters of bright yellow flowers and seed production. As with other woad varieties, useful dye is produced primarily in the first growing season.

This variety is particularly suited to dyers exploring subtle tonal ranges, eco printing, and varietal comparisons within indigo plants.

Colour fastness: Medium to Good (depending on dye method)

🌱 Basic Growing Information

Sowing period
Late February to March (in trays)

Germination time
7–21 days at 15–18 °C (59–64 °F)

Height
Up to 1 m (3 ft)

Preferred location
Full sun with well-drained soil

✂️ Harvesting for Dye & Seed

First year
Harvest leaves from early June onwards for dyeing

Second year
Allow plants to flower and collect seed. Leaves no longer produce dye at this stage.

📦 Additional Details

Grown in Ireland
Germination rate: 56%
Approx. 50 seeds per packet
Irish seed licence: IE010713

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

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BIENNIAL WELD SEEDS – Reseda luteola

(Traditional Yellow Dye Plant)
Dye Colour: Yellow | Produced in: Ireland

Weld (Reseda luteola) has been used for centuries as one of the most reliable sources of clear, lightfast yellow. A tall, elegant biennial, it produces slender spikes of tiny yellow flowers on architectural stems reaching up to 1.5 m in height.

Long valued in traditional and contemporary natural dye practice, Weld remains a cornerstone plant for dyers seeking consistent, high-quality colour from their own gardens.

Colour fastness: Excellent

🌱 Basic Growing Information

Life cycle
Biennial

Sowing
Mid March to Mid May

Germination time
Up to 3 weeks

Height
Up to 1.5 m

Preferred location
Full sun with well-drained, moderately fertile soil

Seeds are very fine and should be surface sown and lightly pressed into the compost.

✂️ Harvesting for Dye

Weld is typically harvested in its second year when in full flower. Although the whole plant contains dye, research and practice show that the highest pigment concentration is found in the leaves and flowers. For best colour yield, harvest at peak flowering.

📦 Additional Details

Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland
Germination: 62%                                                                                                                    Approx. 100+ seeds per packet
Irish seed licence: IE010713

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

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