Birmingham Woad Seeds
ISATIS TINCTORIA

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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