Woad Seeds (Isatis tinctoria) Ancient dye plant for rich blue color. Also used as a medicinal herb in traditional European practices.

$3.49

Minimum: 15+ Seeds

Ancient Blue Dye • Historical Medicinal Herb • Hardy Biennial

Bring history to life with Woad, the legendary plant behind Europe's rich blue dye traditions. Known since the Iron Age, this versatile biennial herb produces lush, leafy rosettes and tall yellow flower spikes—and its leaves yield natural indigo pigment prized by warriors, artisans, and healers alike.


🌱 Why Grow Woad?

  • 🎨 Natural Indigo Source – Leaves produce a rich blue dye used for centuries in textile and body art

  • 🧪 Traditional Medicine – Historically used in European and Chinese herbalism for its detoxifying and cooling properties

  • 🐝 Pollinator-Friendly – Bright yellow blooms attract bees and beneficial insects

  • 🌾 Low Maintenance – Thrives in tough conditions with minimal input


📏 Quick Facts:

  • Botanical Name: Isatis tinctoria

  • Plant Type: Biennial (can act as annual in some climates)

  • Height: 2–4 feet

  • Spacing: 12–18 inches

  • Sunlight: Full sun

  • Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil

  • Days to Maturity: 90–120 days for dye leaves


🎨 How to Grow & Harvest:

  • Direct sow in spring or fall

  • Harvest young leaves for dye production

  • Second-year plants will bolt and produce tall flower spikes

  • Harvest roots or seeds if using medicinally


🔵 Uses:

  • 💙 Natural Blue Dye – Use traditional fermentation methods to extract indigo

  • 🍵 Folk Medicine – Historically used for fevers, immune support, and inflammation (consult a herbalist before use)

  • 🧵 Fiber Arts Favorite – Loved by natural dyers for layering and colorfastness


🌿 Garden Tip:

Add Woad to a dye garden, historical garden, or low-water landscape. Its unique lifecycle and ancient heritage make it a conversation piece as well as a functional plant.


Unleash the ancient power of blue with Woad Seeds—a plant that connects the past with your garden’s future.