Isatis tinctoria Seeds | Woad
LATIN NAME: Isatis tinctoria
COMMON NAME: Woad, Dyers Woad, Ban Lan Gen
Plant Profile
Isatis tinctoria, commonly known as Woad, is an erect, branching biennial in the cabbage family, native to fields and waysides of Europe and the western Asia, while it is grown for its long history as a dye plant. Woad is a handsome and ancient herb of fields, and it has given world one of oldest of blue dyes. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the cabbage family, Isatis tinctoria is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Woad has a rich and fascinating record in both chemistry and history. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Woad has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, woad is a valuable plant for sunny, dry places. Its bright yellow flowers feed bees and other pollinators in late spring, and it thrives in poor, chalky soil where many plants struggle. Its economic value is real and historic. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Woad is doubly famous: its leaves dyed Europe blue before indigo, and its root, Ban Lan Gen, with the leaf Da Qing Ye, is among the most-used Chinese antiviral folk herbs, taken in granules at the first sign of colds across East Asia.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Woad, and the process is uncomplicated. Growing woad from seed is easy and fascinating. Seeds do well in cool, light conditions, so sow them in spring on surface of a tray of free-draining compost, press them in gently, and keep them bright and lightly moist. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in full sun. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Once established, Woad, Dyers Woad, Ban Lan Gen largely looks after itself. Given full sun and free drainage, it asks for little routine attention.
Related Reading
Readers interested in Woad frequently explore these as well: