{"product_id":"woad","title":"Woad","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1115\" data-start=\"406\"\u003eA fascinating and historically significant biennial plant, traditionally cultivated in Europe for its brilliant deep blue dye. Before the arrival of Indigo from the Far East, woad was the primary source of blue colouring across Europe. This striking plant produces tall, bright yellow flower plumes in its second year, followed by unusual black seedpods that lend architectural interest to the garden. Famously, the ancient Celts used woad to dye themselves blue before charging into battle against the Romans, a story captured vividly in folklore and popularised by films like \u003cem data-end=\"1021\" data-start=\"1009\"\u003eBraveheart\u003c\/em\u003e. Beyond its historical uses, woad remains a beautiful and educational addition to any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1331\" data-start=\"1117\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1145\" data-start=\"1117\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Woad?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1148\" data-start=\"1145\"\u003eWoad thrives in Zones 4–9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It adapts well to a variety of soil types and is ideal for dye gardens, educational gardens, and ornamental beds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1717\" data-start=\"1333\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1364\" data-start=\"1333\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1367\" data-start=\"1364\"\u003eWoad (\u003cem data-end=\"1391\" data-start=\"1373\"\u003eIsatis tinctoria\u003c\/em\u003e) has been cultivated for thousands of years as a vital dye crop in Europe. Used for colouring textiles, body art, and ceremonial decoration, it was a cornerstone of early European trade. Although it fell out of favour after Indigo became widely imported, woad remains a celebrated symbol of ancient culture and craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2008\" data-start=\"1719\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1748\" data-start=\"1719\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1751\" data-start=\"1748\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1765\" data-start=\"1751\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in spring or fall for best results.\u003cbr data-end=\"1815\" data-start=\"1812\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1829\" data-start=\"1815\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow in spring after last frost; protect seedlings if unexpected cold snaps occur.\u003cbr data-end=\"1914\" data-start=\"1911\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1936\" data-start=\"1914\"\u003eZones 4 and lower:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors and transplant out once danger of frost has passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2008\" data-start=\"1719\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2440\" data-start=\"2010\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2042\" data-start=\"2010\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Woad\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2045\" data-start=\"2042\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2058\" data-start=\"2045\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1cm (0.5in) deep in well-drained soil with good sun exposure.\u003cbr data-end=\"2133\" data-start=\"2130\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2146\" data-start=\"2133\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during establishment; drought tolerant once mature.\u003cbr data-end=\"2217\" data-start=\"2214\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2232\" data-start=\"2217\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e For dye, harvest leaves in the first year before flowering; for seed, allow second-year plants to fully mature.\u003cbr data-end=\"2347\" data-start=\"2344\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2363\" data-start=\"2347\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thin plants as needed to provide space for rosette growth in the first year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2782\" data-start=\"2442\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2480\" data-start=\"2442\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2483\" data-start=\"2480\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2503\" data-start=\"2483\"\u003eAllow to Mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let seedpods dry fully on the plant until black.\u003cbr data-end=\"2555\" data-start=\"2552\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2573\" data-start=\"2555\"\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clip pods and allow to dry further if needed.\u003cbr data-end=\"2622\" data-start=\"2619\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2640\" data-start=\"2622\"\u003eDry and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store seeds in a cool, dry place in a breathable container.\u003cbr data-end=\"2703\" data-start=\"2700\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2717\" data-start=\"2703\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 3–5 years under good storage conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2865\" data-start=\"2784\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2808\" data-start=\"2784\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2811\" data-start=\"2808\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2863\" data-start=\"2811\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811197563122,"sku":"MF-FLOWER-047","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Woad.jpg?v=1772481909","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/woad","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}