Managu, Black Nightshade (75 days) Solanum nigrum - While most gardeners in the USA would not think of growing black nightshade (Solanum nigra) which is a Eurasia weed that typically grows to 12-24” tall with purplish black fruits, this is a different species (Solanum nigrum) which grows wild throughout Eastern Africa and has been widely domesticated as a nutritious green vegetable. It is typically parboiled and then the water discarded as the leaves contain also contain high levels of vitamin A, B, and C, and phenolics and alkaloids. Unbeknownst to most people, all members of the Solanacea (nightshade) family including peppers and tomatoes contain trace amounts of nicotine! What we found amazing about growing this species is its tall growth habit to over 4’ and its larger clusters of deep purple fruit that would likely make an incredible natural dye. Luther burbank bred a hybrid form called Wonder Berry with sweet palatable fruits (Solanum burbankii). NOTE: Leaves MUST be processed if eaten, Berries not edible - please do your own research!! Packet: 1/4g...

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Coreopsis, Dyer’s  (80 days) Coreopsis tinctoria  The brilliant crimson and gold variegated petals of this variety of Coreopsis warrant carrying it along with our Coreopsis Calliopsis.  Both can be used to dye textiles a color along the spectrum of gold to sienna.  Amongst the Dyer’s Coreopsis, some plants exhibit bold, solid crimson petals, some bicolor gold/red, and others yellow-flecked red.  Use this coreopsis for a bold filler flower to accent other autumnal colored flowers.  Cut regularly for months of bloom.  An annual that grows up to 30” tall.  Space 12” apart.  A good dye plant.  FLA.  Packet - (1/4g ~185 seeds)...

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Cosmos, Bright Lights, Cosmos sulphureus (90-100 days)  An easy plant to grow with big impact.  A mix of golden and orange silky petals float above an airy foliage of thin lacy leaves. Profuse blooms occur from late summer until frost and make excellent cut flowers. Readily reseeds.  A great choice for summer gardening with children or less experienced gardeners, as simply broadcasting the seed will lead to excellent results.  Requires no special care.  A good dye plant. Packet ( 0.8g ≈ 75 seeds)...

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Marigold, Pinwheel Tagates patula (80-90 days)  Also known as harlequin. A fantastic heirloom curiosity originally from Mexico and tweaked by breeder Alan “Mushroom” Kapular to produce a unique array of blooms exhibiting a pinwheel of alternating maroon and yellow petals. Grows to 3’+ and has an extended blooming period. Makes a golden yellow plant dye.  Packet: (1/2g~115 seeds)  Bulk: 5g ...

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 Zinnia, Purple Dahlia Zinnia elegans (75-90 days) A gorgeous, extremely productive, mostly double-petaled dahlia (about 25% singles). Largely resistant to powdery mildew, the Purple Dahlia Zinnia also holds up well in high heat, blooms strongly for 2-3 months, and has sturdy stems easy to strip. This dahlia lasts up to two weeks in the vase. An annual that grows up to 48”. Space 12” apart and pinch when plant is 8-12” tall. Can be used as a dye plant! Packet - 0.7g (~70 seeds)...

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Zinnia, Scarlet (75-90 days)  A wonderful show of deep scarlet red single and fully double petaled blooms makes a striking visual statement in gardens or as border plantings. Tiger swallowtail butterflies are very fond of this strain.  Produces blooms over a very long season and even into the first light frosts of fall. Grows to 4 feet.  Packet - .8g (~80 seeds)...

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