True Indigo Plant
Plant: Indigofera tinctoria
Availability: Summer & Autumn
Pot Size: 1L
Benefits: True indigo is valued for its natural dye-producing properties, yielding a vibrant blue hue. It has been historically used for dyeing textiles and has potential medicinal benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Uses: True indigo is primarily cultivated for its use in dyeing textiles. The leaves contain indican, a precursor to the blue dye, which is extracted through a fermentation process. It also has traditional medicinal uses in some cultures.
Growing Conditions:
Season: Best cultivated in warm weather, preferably during spring and summer.
Soil: Well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH around 6.0 to 7.5.
Watering: Regular watering is essential, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Position: Full sun exposure is preferable, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and leaf production.
Use: Mainly for dye production, but also for potential medicinal purposes in some traditional practices.
Growing Tips: True indigo plants require regular pruning to encourage branching and leaf production. Harvest leaves when they are fully mature for optimal dye extraction.
