Thank you for reaching out to us about natural dyeing. Japanese indigo (Persicaria tinctoria) is traditionally used to achieve the deepest indigo color. These plants are not typically sold in garden centers, but seeds can be purchased online from various sources and you may be able to find plant starts from local growers. There are some Montgomery County flower farms that sell "dye plants." Some common garden flowers that make excellent dyes are: marigolds, coreopsis, 'Hopi Dye' sunflower, 'Black Knight' scabiosa, and black-eyed Susans (among others). In addition to Japanese indigo, dyer's woad (Isatis tinctoria) can be used to produce an indigo color (not as strong as Japanese indigo), and it's easy to grow from seeds.

To learn more and to visit an indigo farm, here are a few resources you could explore:

• The Natural Dye Initiative via the Maryland Institute College of Art
• Dr. Nadine Burton from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore is involved in the Natural Dye Initiative, and you can contact her for further information and local resources.

Aside from a UMD course on natural dyeing, we do not have a class on this topic for home gardeners, but the US Botanic Garden has a class (recording) that will give you the basics to get started. There are also many books available that cover natural dyeing in-depth. Chesapeake Fibershed lists several of them on its website. They also have an online guide to planting and harvesting indigo.

Christa

Dear Christa: