Search

Japanese Indigo

Japanese Indigo is an easy to grow dye plant that produces an array of blue shades when extracted and used on fibers.

Size: Packet: 200 seeds (0.54 gram)

Japanese Indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) is the most common dye indigo in use, easy and fast growing. While plants are perennial and can overwinter, it is more practical to grow them as annuals in most climates. There are a number of ways the leaves can be used for dye, including simple blending for exaction or dehydrated and powdered for later use.

Seeds produced by our friend Laura La Rue at Ride or Dye Ojai. Laura has also created plant dyed our merch in many one-of-a-kind flavors.

Ashley Walker's overview of indigo dye extraction techniques, including color swatches!

Common Name:
Japanese Indigo
Scientific Name:
Persicaria tinctoria
Description:
The easiest plant dye indigo. Fast regrowth after cutting, harvest multiple times a year.
Plant Lifespan:
Perennial
Cold Hardiness (F):
Zone 10a (30 to 35)
Light Requirements:
Full Sun (min. 6 hours a day)
Seed In:
Early Spring (Mar 21 - Apr 20), Mid Spring (Apr 21 - May 20), and Late Spring (May 21 - Jun 20)
Seeding Depth:
1/4 in.
Days to Sprout:
14
Optimal Soil Temperature (F):
70-75
Plant Spacing:
3 ft.
Plant Height:
8-16 in.
Average Days from Seed to Harvest:
120-150

Search our shop