Woad is a biennial to perennial plant that is native to SE Europe. It forms a rosette of leaves in the first year, which spawns a flowering stalk in the following season. Egyptian people used to make a blue dye at the time, calling it "blue woad". Its use has spread throughout most of Europe and to parts ofAsia. Woad seeds have been found in Neolithic caves in France and ancient textiles dyed with woad have been found in Austria. Woad’s dye is much like indigo. However, it is less concentrated and less corrosive to fabric and thread. Today, a revitalized interest in woad has developed because it is a biodegradable alternative to synthetic dyes. It is now being used in inks such as those used for some inkjet printers. Additional research is being done to look at woad’s cancer-fighting potential. It has also been used for a variety of purposes in Chinese medicine.
Growing Information:
Soak your seeds overnight in PH Balanced water and then plant it at a depth of precisely 1/16”-1/8”. Your soil should be well-drained and fertilized. Woad prefers full sun and separation from weeds. Harvest the young leaves as you need them. The seeds can be harvested when the pods turn purple
