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Semences produites écologiquement, patrimoniales et à pollinisation libre Fabaceae

Wild Indigo, ecologically grown seeds

Name: Wild Indigo, ecologically grown seeds ( Indigofera tinctoria )
Brand: Gaia
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Indigofera tinctoria

Product code : GAIAS-0203

Annual indigo with leaves for natural dyeing. Ecologically produced; 25 seeds; slow germination after cold stratification. Read the packet instructions before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without leaving standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and regularly rotate the containers to promote balanced growth. When multiple seedlings compete for the same space, carefully thin them to keep the most vigorous ones without disturbing their roots.

Wild Indigo, ecologically grown seeds (Indigofera tinctoria) Gaia markets this heirloom dye plant as Wild Indigo. The botanical name distinguishes it from Baptisia species, which are also commonly called wild indigo in North America. Kew accepts Indigofera tinctoria in the Fabaceae family and places its native range in tropical and southern Africa and from South Asia to Indo-China; it is therefore not native to Québec or Canada. Grown here as an annual, it develops into an ornamental 3- to 5-foot subshrub. Each packet contains 25 ecologically grown, open-pollinated heirloom seeds intended for ornamental and dye-garden use.

Cold stratify seeds for 30 days, then sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, approximately 1/8 inch deep. Maintain the growing medium at 15 to 21°C, preferably near 21°C. Germination may require 14 to 60 days, so keep the medium evenly moist without saturation and allow slow seedlings adequate time. Transplant after frost risk has passed into slightly acidic, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Allow 48 to 60 inches between plants and approximately 60 inches between rows. Gaia publishes no numbered maturity period for this product, so plan for the longest warm growing season your location can provide.

This plant is offered for ornamental and natural-dye projects, not as food. For dye use, harvest well-developed leaves before flowering, then dry them promptly in a cool, dark, ventilated place or follow a specialized indigo extraction method. Wear gloves, protect work surfaces, and reserve equipment specifically for dyeing. Store thoroughly dried leaves in a labelled container away from food and cooking utensils. Flowers and foliage may attract pollinators and beneficial insects. In cold regions, start early enough to develop useful foliage before autumn, but move plants outdoors only after frost risk has passed and temperatures remain reliably warm.

Uses in the garden

Installez l’indigotier dans un jardin de plantes tinctoriales, un massif ensoleillé ou un grand contenant. Prévoyez jusqu’à 150 cm de hauteur et de largeur, ainsi qu’une terre légèrement acide et bien drainée. Les fleurs et le feuillage peuvent attirer des pollinisateurs et des insectes bénéfiques. Comme l’espèce est tropicale, commencez le semis tôt, repiquez seulement après le gel et choisissez l’endroit le plus chaud du jardin. Le nom commercial « Indigo sauvage » ne signifie pas que la plante est indigène au Québec ou au Canada. Lisez les indications du sachet avant de commencer et conservez l’étiquette pour suivre la variété pendant toute la saison. Préparez un substrat propre, meuble et bien drainé, puis humidifiez-le avant de déposer les graines afin de limiter leur déplacement. Gardez le semis uniformément humide sans laisser d’eau stagnante, car un excès d’humidité réduit l’aération autour des jeunes racines. Placez les semis dans une lumière vive dès la levée et tournez régulièrement les contenants pour favoriser une croissance équilibrée. Lorsque plusieurs plantules se disputent le même espace, éclaircissez avec soin pour conserver les sujets les plus vigoureux sans déranger leurs racines. Avant la plantation extérieure, acclimatez progressivement les jeunes plants au vent, au soleil et aux écarts de température pendant plusieurs jours.

01 Are these wild indigo seeds organic?

Gaia presents this lot as produced ecologically, without mention of organic certification. The packet contains 25 open-pollinated heirloom seeds of Indigofera tinctoria, a plant for ornamental use and natural dyeing. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, and well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their movement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around the young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light once they emerge and regularly turn the containers to promote balanced growth.

02 How to germinate indigo seeds?

Cold stratify the seeds for 30 days. Then, sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, about 3 mm deep, in well-draining soil mix kept between 15 and 21 °C. Read the instructions on the packet before you start and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-draining soil mix, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around the young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light once they emerge and regularly rotate the containers to promote balanced growth.

03 How long does germination take?

Germination can take 14 to 60 days after stratification. Maintain around 21°C, keep the substrate uniformly moist without waterlogging it, and allow slow seeds sufficient time before concluding they have failed. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before placing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light immediately after emergence and regularly rotate the containers to promote balanced growth.

04 Is wild indigo native to Quebec?

No. Despite its trade name, *Indigofera tinctoria* is not native to Quebec or Canada. Kew places its natural range in tropical and southern Africa, as well as from South Asia to Indochina. Wild North American indigos generally belong to the *Baptisia* genus. Read the instructions on the packet before you start and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, well-drained substrate, then moisten it before planting the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess moisture reduces aeration around the young roots.

05 How to harvest leaves for dyeing?

Harvest well-developed leaves before flowering. Dry them quickly in a cool, shady, and well-ventilated place, or use them according to a specialized indigo extraction method. Wear gloves and dedicate tools for dyeing. Read the instructions on the packet before starting and keep the label to track the variety throughout the season. Prepare a clean, loose, and well-drained substrate, then moisten it before sowing the seeds to limit their displacement. Keep the seedlings uniformly moist without allowing standing water, as excess humidity reduces aeration around the young roots. Place the seedlings in bright light as soon as they emerge and regularly rotate the containers to promote balanced growth.