WOAD ‘TEWKESBURY’ SEEDS – Isatis tinctoria
(Traditional Indigo Dye Plant)
Dye Colour: Strong Blue
Produced in: Ireland
Woad ‘Tewkesbury’ is a renowned variety of Isatis tinctoria, long valued for producing some of the strongest and most reliable blue dyes available from European-grown indigo plants. Originally identified near Tewkesbury in the UK, this variety has become a favourite among natural dyers for its consistency and pigment strength.
In its first year, Woad produces lush, succulent leaves that are harvested for fresh-leaf dyeing, pigment extraction, and traditional indigo processes. In its second year, the plant flowers and produces seed, and the leaves no longer yield usable dye.
With stems reaching around 1 m in height and foamy clusters of bright yellow flowers in its second year, Woad is both a productive dye plant and an attractive structural feature in the garden.
Colour fastness: Medium to Good (depending on dye method)
🌱 Basic Growing Information
Sowing period
Late February to early April (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 to organic standards (not yet certified)
Germination rate: 85%
Approx. 50+ seeds per packet
Irish seed licence: IE010713
Please note: Seeds and plants can only be shipped within Europe.
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