Añil (Indigo)

Native to the subtropical and tropical Americas, the leaves of this plant are a great source of indigo dye when harvested and fermented just before the flowering stage. This is a heat-loving plant that thrives in temperatures above 80 degrees, and will not survive freezing temperatures. Can be kept as a perennial in heated greenhouses. When combined with a clay mineral known as palygorskite, this plant pigment creates Azul Maya (Maya Blue), which is a bright blue color used by Mayan and Aztec pottery. 

Also known as Guatemalan Indigo, Small-Leaved Indigo, Wild Indigo, West Indian Indigo, Anil, inikō/inikoa, kolū, vaivai, la‘au mageso, ʻakauveli, jiquilite, xiquilite, and xiuhquilit-hierba azul.

Days to maturity: 80-90

Seeds per pack: 25-30

Germination rate: 10% (total viability: 96%) on 1/5/2024 (read more about viability)

Planting / harvesting notes

Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplant. Space plants in ground by 1' in rows 1-2' apart. Harvest for dye just before flowering when plant reaches its full height. 

Seed keeping notes

Harvest fully dried, brown seed pods.