Añil (Indigo)

Native to the subtropical and tropical Americas, the leaves of this plant are a great source of indigo dye when harvested and fermented just before the flowering stage. This is a heat-loving plant that thrives in temperatures above 80 degrees, and will not survive freezing temperatures. Can be kept as a perennial in heated greenhouses. When combined with a clay mineral known as palygorskite, this plant pigment creates Azul Maya (Maya Blue), which is a bright blue color used by Mayan and Aztec pottery.  Also known as Guatemalan Indigo, Small-Leaved Indigo, Wild Indigo, West Indian Indigo, Anil, inikō/inikoa, kolū, vaivai, la‘au mageso, ʻakauveli, jiquilite, xiquilite, and xiuhquilit-hierba azul. Days to maturity: 80-90 Seeds per pack: 25-30 Germination rate: 12% (total viability: 95%) on 01/06/2025 (read more about viability) Planting / harvesting notes Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before transplant. Space plants in ground by 1' in rows 1-2' apart. Harvest for dye just before flowering when plant reaches its full height.  Seed keeping notes Harvest fully dried, brown seed pods.