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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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.

🌿 Join the Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share experiences, learn natural colour techniques, and connect with fellow growers and makers.

AFRICAN MARIGOLD SEEDS – Tagetes erecta

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

Tagetes erecta, commonly known as African Marigold, is a highly productive dye plant producing abundant double flowers in rich shades of yellow and orange. With their distinctive anemone-like form and geometric structure, these blooms are valued for both natural dyeing and eco printing, where they yield warm, golden tones and expressive botanical prints.

Compact and evenly growing, African Marigolds reach around 25–30 cm in height and are well suited to dedicated dye beds, containers, and mixed planting schemes.

Dye fastness: Medium

🌱 Basic Growing Information

Sowing period
Early February to late May

Germination time
5–14 days

Height
25–30 cm (10–12 in)

Preferred location
Full sun with well-drained soil

✂️ Harvesting for Dye & Printing

Harvest flowers regularly throughout the season to encourage continued flowering. Blooms may be used fresh or dried for dyeing and eco printing.

📦 Additional Details

Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland
Germination rate: 68%
Approx. 75 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.

ORANGE COSMOS SEEDS

(Cosmos sulphureus)
Dye Colour: Yellow, Orange & Burnt Gold | Produced in Ireland

Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as Orange Cosmos, produces abundant single flowers in warm shades of yellow, orange, and deep amber. With its open, daisy-like blooms and fine, feathery foliage, this easy-to-grow annual brings both lightness and energy to the dye garden.

Generous in flower and simple to cultivate, Cosmos sulphureus is well suited to natural dyeing and eco-printing, yielding clear sunny yellows, warm oranges, and soft golden tones on fibre depending on dye application. Flowers can be used fresh or dried, making it a flexible and accessible dye plant.

Dye Fastness: Poor to Medium (best on protein fibres, with alum mordant)

🌱 Basic Growing Information

• Sowing period:
  Indoor sowing mid-March to late April
  Direct sow outdoors from mid-May, once frost risk has passed

• Germination time: 7–21 days

• Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)

• Preferred location:
  Full sun; light, well-drained soil

🌼 Additional Details

• Open-pollinated & organically grown in Ireland

• Germination rate: 86%

• Irish seed licence: IE010713

• Approx. 75 seeds per packet

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

🌿 Join the Natural Dyers & Growers Academy to share growing experiences, explore dye techniques, and connect with fellow growers.