{"product_id":"woad","title":"Woad Seeds","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"843\"\u003eA fascinating and historically significant biennial plant, traditionally cultivated in Europe to produce a vibrant deep blue dye. Before the arrival of indigo from the Far East, woad was the primary source of blue coloration in Europe. This remarkable plant develops tall spikes of bright yellow flowers in its second year, followed by uniquely shaped black seed pods that add an architectural touch to the garden. According to tradition, ancient Celts used woad to paint their bodies blue before going into battle against the Romans, a story widely embraced in folklore and popularized by films like \u003cem data-start=\"725\" data-end=\"737\"\u003eBraveheart\u003c\/em\u003e. Beyond its rich past, woad remains both a decorative and educational plant for the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"1118\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"845\" data-end=\"888\"\u003eWhere to grow woad?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"891\"\u003eWoad thrives in zones 4 to 9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It adapts to various soil types and is perfect for dye gardens, educational gardens, and ornamental borders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1577\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1159\"\u003eWoad (\u003cem data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003eIsatis tinctoria\u003c\/em\u003e) has been cultivated for thousands of years as an essential dye plant in Europe. Used for dyeing textiles, body art, and ceremonies, it was a cornerstone of ancient European trade. Although it was gradually replaced by imported indigo, it remains a strong symbol of ancient craftsmanship and traditions today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1622\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1620\"\u003eInformation on Canadian Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1939\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1623\" data-end=\"1712\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1625\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003eZones 8–9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in spring or fall for best results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1713\" data-end=\"1837\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1730\"\u003eZones 5–7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow in spring after the last frost; protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1838\" data-end=\"1939\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1840\" data-end=\"1862\"\u003eZones 4 and below:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors and transplant after all risk of frost has passed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\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 data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1983\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1983\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Woad\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"2514\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1985\" data-end=\"2092\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1987\" data-end=\"1998\"\u003eSowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1 cm (0.5 in) deep in well-drained soil in full sun.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2200\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2109\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during establishment; tolerates drought well once mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2397\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2216\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2397\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2221\" data-end=\"2303\"\u003eFor dye: harvest leaves in the first year before flowering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2397\"\u003eFor seeds: allow second-year plants to reach full maturity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2398\" data-end=\"2514\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2400\" data-end=\"2415\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thin plants as needed to allow proper rosette development in the first year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2557\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2557\"\u003eTips for Seed Harvesting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2559\" data-end=\"2960\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2559\" data-end=\"2675\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2561\" data-end=\"2580\"\u003eAllow to mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let the pods dry completely on the plant until they turn black.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2676\" data-end=\"2760\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2691\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut the pods and allow them to dry further if necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2761\" data-end=\"2874\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"2791\"\u003eDrying and storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store seeds in a cool, dry place in a breathable container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"2960\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2877\" data-end=\"2892\"\u003eViability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years under good conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2962\" data-end=\"3051\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2962\" data-end=\"2989\"\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2989\" data-end=\"2992\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Certificate No. 1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644646383984,"sku":"MF-FLOWER-047","price":16.0,"currency_code":"QAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/magic_edit_TUFISDBrVGRhelUjMSNkOTMzMjM4M2E5ZTIwMDI2MzJhNmRmOWM4NWM4MjFjMCMzMzMxIyNUUkFOU0ZPUk1BVElPTl9SRVFVRVNU.jpg?v=1777084430","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-qa\/products\/woad","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}