Growing Instructions

When to Sow:
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost. Sow outdoors only in warm climates after frost danger has passed.

How to Sow:
Scatter seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix and press lightly to ensure contact. Do not cover as seeds need light to germinate. Keep soil warm (20–25 °C) and evenly moist until seedlings emerge.

Germination:
7–14 days in warm, bright conditions.

Thinning & Spacing:
Transplant or thin to 20–25 cm (8–10") apart in rows 30–45 cm
(12–18") apart for full, branching plants.

Growing Conditions:
Prefers full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Grows best with regular watering and fertility but Chijimiba can take more heat and less water than most varieties of Japanese Indigo.

Care:
Pinch growing tips early to encourage branching. Regular harvests promote new growth and can yield multiple dye cuttings per season.

Harvest:
Cut stems just before flowering, when pigment levels are highest. Leaves can be used fresh for direct dyeing or fermented for traditional indigo extraction.

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Japanese Indigo - Chijimiba

$4.50

Certified Organic by Pro-Cert

This variety of Japanese Indigo was selected for its upright habit and thick, waxy leaves that have a bit of a ripple along the edge. The thick leaves help the plant to withstand more heat and drier conditions than our standard Japanese Indigo variety. It grows vigorously and provides 2-3 cuts of fresh leaf for dyeing before going to flower and seed which is triggered by shortening days. The thicker leaves need more heat and time in the dye pot to break down but soaking overnight first can help. If you have hot, dry summers and don’t irrigate much this may be the indigo plant for you. It produces the same deep, rich blue as our standard variety when prepared properly.

Persicaria tinctoria

Days to Maturity: 90-100