About this variety
About true indigo
Indigofera tinctoria is an accepted species in the Fabaceae family. Kew describes it as a shrub associated primarily with the seasonally dry tropical biome. It forms fine compound foliage, small pea-like flowers and seed-bearing pods.
Sowing guide
- Use a clean, free-draining seed mix and a container with open drainage holes.
- Lightly abrade one small part of the hard seed coat without cutting the embryo, then soak the seed in room-temperature water.
- Sow about one seed-width deep, water gently and keep warm in bright, indirect light.
- Keep the mix evenly moist but never saturated, and ventilate covered trays.
Hard-coated seeds can start at different times. Leave sound seeds undisturbed and avoid overwatering while waiting.
Growing on
Give established seedlings gradually stronger light and warm, airy conditions. Use a draining potting mix and water when the upper layer begins to dry. Pinch or prune only after a healthy root system and several sets of leaves have formed.
This listing is for botanical cultivation. Historical dye use does not imply that home-grown material is suitable for food, medicine or unsupervised processing.
Seed note: Seeds are living material. Germination speed and percentage vary with seed age, temperature, moisture and local growing conditions. Record the sowing date and treatment so later batches can be adjusted.
