Dye Seeds
$15
Madder Root Seeds
15 seeds per packet
Madder dye is a natural red dye extracted from the roots of the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum). The use of madder as a dye can be traced back to ancient civilizations and has been used for centuries to color textiles, leather, and even food. The dyeing process involves extracting the pigment from the roots of the madder plant and then applying it to the desired material. The color produced by madder dye can range from a deep red to a pinkish or orange hue, depending on the method of extraction and the materials used. Madder dye is known for its ability to produce rich, long-lasting colors that do not fade easily, making it a popular choice for high-quality textiles and garments.
Seed and Plant Care:
Soil preparation: well-draining soil and rich in organic matter.
Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden bed in the spring, after the last frost.
Spacing: 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart
Watering: Water the plants deeply and let soil dry between waterings.
Harvesting: Wait at least three years for roots to mature. In the meantime, you can harvest the leaves for culinary or medicinal use.
Maintenance: Madder plants are low-maintenance but may require staking to support the tall stems.
$10
Marigold Seeds
30 seeds per packet
Marigold dye is a natural dye made from the flowers of the marigold plant (Tagetes erecta). The dye can be extracted from the petals of the flowers and used to color fabrics and fibers. The color produced by marigold dye ranges from a bright yellow to a deep orange, depending on the method of extraction and the material used. Marigold dye is known for its lightfastness, meaning that it resists fading when exposed to sunlight. This makes it a popular choice for natural dyeing projects that require long-lasting color. Additionally, marigold dye is easy to prepare and use, making it a great option for beginners in natural dyeing. As an easy plant to grow, marigolds provide a sustainable source of natural dye for small-scale production.
Seed and Plant Care:
Soil preparation: well-draining soil and rich in organic matter.
Sowing: Can be sown directly in the garden bed after the last frost date, or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Spacing: 1/4 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Deadheading: Pinch off faded blooms regularly to encourage the plants to produce more flowers.