How to Grow Your Own Indigo
Germinate & Sprout
Start with a packet of our indigo seeds. Begin growing about 10 weeks before the last anticipated frost (varies based on your growing zone).
Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to kickstart germination.
Start the seeds in small containers using seed starter soil. Seedlings should emerge in 14 days. Keep delicate sprouts inside until seedlings are 2” - 3” tall. Be sure to thin out any overcrowded seedlings as sprouts emerge.
Transplant & Grow
Once seedlings are hardy and the threat of frost is past, transplant outside, 18” apart. Plant in a spot that gets full sun.
Water regularly, especially when seedlings are just rooting and if your spring weather can be intense (hot / strong sun) like it is in South Carolina.
Seedlings will quickly sprout, growing tall (7’ or more!) and bushy. Prune as needed — keeping in mind that the leaves hold the dye!
Mature & Harvest
Once the indigo bushes have matured and their pink flowers turn into seed pods, the leaves are ready to be made into dye. The harvest season happens in South Carolina as early as August and runs through November (we like to tie dye Thanksgiving weekend with our family!)
Click here to learn how to turn your leaves into indigo dye!