(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
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
Harvest flower heads regularly throughout the season to encourage continued blooming. Petals may be used fresh or dried for dyeing and eco printing.
Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland
Germination rate: 85%
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.
(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
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
Flowers can be harvested continuously throughout the flowering season. They may be used fresh or dried for eco printing and floral printing applications.
Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland
Germination rate (2024): 56%
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 experiences, learn natural colour techniques, and connect with fellow growers and makers.
We’re not fans of crowded inboxes either, so here’s what you can look forward to in our newsletters:
✨ Updates from the Academy – new workshops, courses, and events
🧶 News from the Dye House – behind-the-scenes, fibre stories, and inspiration
🛍 Shop highlights – fresh arrivals, special offers, and exclusive sales
And of course, you’re always in control — unsubscribe anytime with a single click at the bottom of any email.
As a little welcome gift, enjoy 5% off your first order in our webshop with the code WELCOMEPOP.
Happy making! 🌿
