Indigo

Indigofera tinctoria

Tender perennial grown as an annual in the North. The 2 to 3-foot shrub will be covered with pinkish-colored pea-type blossoms that produce short woody pods. While in flower, harvest the leaves to produce a beautiful blue dye. 25 seeds

PLANTING

Annual zone 8 and below

Germination: 14-60 days, has low irregular germination. Soak seeds in water overnight to 24 hours so the seed coat swells, plant immediately. 

Seed Planting Depth: 1/4"

Starting Indoors/Outdoors:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Provide 70-75 degree soil temperatures. Use larger pots (around 3" ) or peat, cow, or paper pots( grows a delicate taproot, successful transplanting may be difficult) Transplants best when they have 2 sets of true leaves, space 24-36" apart. Sow outside in the late spring or fall. 

Light Needs:  Full sun

Soil Needs:  Average to fertile, moist but well-drained

Uses: Dye plant, ornamental