Woad

Woad, a member of the brassica family, is native to Europe and Asia. It has been used as a dye plant since the Stone Age. The leaves produce a blue dye and was the main source of indigo dye in Europe until Indigofera tinctoria (true indigo) became available from Asia.

Woad dye is particularly symbolic of Celtic tribes, and is often called “Celtic blue.” In Celtic culture, woad was used to dye fabrics and as a body paint. To create pigment, woad leaves must be fermented and oxidized. For dye, the leaves can be harvested in the first growing season. If left for a second year, the biennial plant will grow 2-4 feet tall, and produce a bushy mass of bright yellow flowers. The flowers will then produce large seeds which darken to dark brown, almost black, with maturity. When the seeds are dry they can easily be stripped from the stems and saved.

Woad readily reseeds itself. Woad is an invasive plant in the US West. It should not be planted there. Please check your state's regulations before ordering these seeds!

Days to maturity: 90 days

Seeds per pack: 70

Germination rate: 77% on 09/13/2023

Planting / harvesting notes

Direct sow 1/2" deep in spring or fall, or start in flats and transplant when they have sized up. Space plants 1' apart. Full sun to part shade.

Seed keeping notes

If left for a second year, the biennial plant will grow 2-4 feet tall, and produce a bushy mass of bright yellow flowers. The flowers will then produce large seeds which darken to dark brown, almost black, with maturity. When the seeds are dry they can easily be stripped from the stems and saved.