{"product_id":"ga-indigo-indigo-bio","title":"Organic Indigo 'Indigo'","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"126\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"4\" data-end=\"126\"\u003eOrganic Indigo 'Indigo' (Indigofera tinctoria) from the seed company Gaia, an ancestral dye plant for bright blue dye\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"128\" data-end=\"873\"\u003eIndigo plant is a \u003cstrong data-start=\"177\" data-end=\"193\"\u003eheritage\u003c\/strong\u003e dye plant used since prehistoric times to produce the famous \u003cstrong data-start=\"250\" data-end=\"274\"\u003eindigo blue dye\u003c\/strong\u003e . Grown as an \u003cstrong data-start=\"291\" data-end=\"303\"\u003eannual\u003c\/strong\u003e in cooler climates, it requires a \u003cstrong data-start=\"343\" data-end=\"374\"\u003elong growing season\u003c\/strong\u003e and must be started early—sometimes as early as \u003cstrong data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"436\"\u003eJanuary in zone 5\u003c\/strong\u003e —to ensure a sufficient harvest. Its leaves, once \u003cstrong data-start=\"501\" data-end=\"515\"\u003efermented\u003c\/strong\u003e , yield a vibrant blue that is both long-lasting and natural, providing an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes. The plant is \u003cstrong data-start=\"663\" data-end=\"677\"\u003edrought-\u003c\/strong\u003e tolerant, attracts pollinators, and develops an elegant, shrubby habit with pinnate leaves. Its \u003cstrong data-start=\"770\" data-end=\"809\"\u003eroots are sensitive to disturbance\u003c\/strong\u003e , making it advisable to sow it in large pots from the outset.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1031\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"896\"\u003eCompanion plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Echinacea, Parsley\u003cbr data-start=\"960\" data-end=\"963\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"983\"\u003eNegative plants\u003c\/strong\u003e : Plants that are thirsty and thrive in waterlogged soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1338\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1033\" data-end=\"1053\"\u003eSpread\/Habit\u003c\/strong\u003e : Shrubby, spreading\u003cbr data-start=\"1071\" data-end=\"1074\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1074\" data-end=\"1094\"\u003ePlant height\u003c\/strong\u003e : 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 plants)\u003cbr data-start=\"1121\" data-end=\"1124\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1124\" data-end=\"1147\"\u003eQuantity per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e : 50 seeds\u003cbr data-start=\"1160\" data-end=\"1163\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1180\"\u003eCertification\u003c\/strong\u003e : Environmentally friendly product\u003cbr data-start=\"1205\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1226\"\u003eSpecial features\u003c\/strong\u003e : Ancient dye plant, bright blue dye, very long season, sensitive roots, drought tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"1340\" data-end=\"1505\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1340\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003eLeaf color\u003c\/strong\u003e : Medium green, pinnate\u003cbr data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1389\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-start=\"1389\" data-end=\"1409\"\u003eTexture\/flavor\u003c\/strong\u003e : Aromatic dye leaves (not edible) \u003cbr data-start=\"1463\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1466\" data-end=\"1488\"\u003eCold tolerance\u003c\/strong\u003e : Not hardy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"1507\" data-end=\"1510\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1512\" data-end=\"1530\"\u003e Farming method\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"2233\"\u003ePerform a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1546\" data-end=\"1584\"\u003e30-day cold stratification\u003c\/strong\u003e before sowing. Soak the seeds \u003cstrong data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1637\"\u003eovernight\u003c\/strong\u003e to optimize germination. Sow indoors \u003cstrong data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"1707\"\u003e6 to 8 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e before the last frost, in well-draining potting mix, at \u003cstrong data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1779\"\u003e18–21°C (64–70°F)\u003c\/strong\u003e . Cover the seeds \u003cstrong data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1814\"\u003e3 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e (1\/8 inch) deep. As the roots dislike being disturbed, use \u003cstrong data-start=\"1889\" data-end=\"1904\"\u003elarge pots\u003c\/strong\u003e and transplant as little as possible (only 1–2 times before final planting). Transplant or sow outdoors after all risk of frost has passed, in \u003cstrong data-start=\"2041\" data-end=\"2057\"\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e (level 3) and in \u003cstrong data-start=\"2084\" data-end=\"2117\"\u003ewell-drained, slightly acidic\u003c\/strong\u003e soil. \u003cbr data-start=\"2118\" data-end=\"2121\"\u003eSpace the plants \u003cstrong data-start=\"2143\" data-end=\"2159\"\u003e120 to 150 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e apart, with \u003cstrong data-start=\"2166\" data-end=\"2176\"\u003e150 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e between rows. Germination takes a long time: \u003cstrong data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2232\"\u003e14 to 60 days\u003c\/strong\u003e .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2235\" data-end=\"2238\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2266\"\u003e Harvesting and preservation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2268\" data-end=\"2646\"\u003e Harvest the leaves \u003cstrong data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2318\"\u003ejust before flowering\u003c\/strong\u003e , when they are at their peak color. The best time is \u003cstrong data-start=\"2396\" data-end=\"2423\"\u003elate summer\/early fall\u003c\/strong\u003e , when the plant is 2–3 feet tall. Cut the stems and leaves at their most vibrant stage to obtain the \u003cstrong data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2564\"\u003ebest quality dye\u003c\/strong\u003e . Dry the leaves in a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2602\" data-end=\"2627\"\u003ecool, dry, and well-ventilated\u003c\/strong\u003e place before use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"2651\"\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2653\" data-end=\"2675\"\u003e Usage ideas\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"3035\"\u003e • To make a traditional \u003cstrong data-start=\"2698\" data-end=\"2722\"\u003eindigo blue dye\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr data-start=\"2737\" data-end=\"2740\"\u003e• In \u003cstrong data-start=\"2756\" data-end=\"2777\"\u003eplant dyeing\u003c\/strong\u003e and textile art projects\u003cbr data-start=\"2794\" data-end=\"2797\"\u003e • In educational settings, to present dye plants\u003cbr data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2864\"\u003e • As an elegant, nectar-rich annual ornamental shrub\u003cbr data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"2922\"\u003e • To experiment with various fermentation methods (indigo-sukumo, gentle chemical reduction, natural vats)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3040\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-start=\"3042\" data-end=\"3258\"\u003e Indigo \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Indigo'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating dye plant, rich in a millennia-old heritage. Demanding yet rewarding, it produces a mythical blue while adding an exotic and lasting touch to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gaia","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53075553386656,"sku":"GAI-SEMENCES","price":4.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0655\/3878\/5440\/files\/Indigo_Indigo_bio.jpg?v=1765472923","url":"https:\/\/www.pepiniere.ca\/en\/products\/ga-indigo-indigo-bio","provider":"Pépinière.ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}