Isatis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Nov 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Isatis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Isatis is a biennial plant that features small yellow flowers and gray-green foliage. Use it to add a unique texture to your garden landscapes.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Tolerant of poor soil conditions and can thrive in both dry and moderately fertile soils.
- General Care: Requires minimal maintenance. Watering during prolonged dry spells and occasional pruning to shape the plant are sufficient for healthy growth.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Woad is a robust and easy-to-grow plant, making it suitable for beginners. Its historical significance in dye, and dual-purpose nature help to add an educational aspect to your gardening.
Woad, and Glastum: Cultivation & Garden Use
Isatis is a genus of plants that are grown as hardy bulbs in the garden.
Isatis blooms in the summer with small yellow panicles and may reach a height of 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) in height.
Some of the common names for Isatis are Woad and Dyer's woad.
It has been traditionally used to produce dye and paint.
Isatis tinctoria - Dyer's Woad by Matt Lavin.
Woad by peganum.
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Isatis Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Woad, Dyer’s Woad, Asp of Jerusalem, Glastum.Life Cycle: Hardy biennial.
Height: 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).
Native: Mediterranean, Western and Central Asia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Yellow. Small. Umbels.
Foliage: Elliptic.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Late summer. Spacing 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two weeks to two months. Temperature: 50°F (10°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors before the last frost.
Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Rich soil. Propagate: Self seeds.
Miscellaneous: Was used by the Celts to produce blue war paint. Considered an invasive weed in many areas. Used in traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of the flu, measles and scarlet fever, amongst others.
How to Grow Woad and other Isatis Plants in the Garden
Woad should be grown outdoors from seeds. The Woad seeds should be sown out in the latter part of summer and lightly covered.
It can take from two to seven weeks for woad to germinate.
They should be planted in a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden into a rich, moist soil that has good drainage. Once the seedlings have emerged thin them out so that they are about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) apart.
Common Questions
How many members does the Isatis genus have?
The Isatis genus is fairly small, with around 30 species. These are primarily known for their medicinal uses and for producing natural dyes.
Do members of Isatis make a good garden or landscaping plant?
While not typically used for ornamental purposes, some species of Isatis, such as Woad (Isatis tinctoria), can be grown for their interesting foliage.
Which Isatis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The most commonly grown species is Isatis tinctoria (Woad), often grown for its historical significance in dye production rather than for its aesthetic appeal.
Are members of the Isatis plant genus fragrant?
Isatis species are not known for being particularly fragrant.
What is the perfect location to grow Isatis?
Isatis prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It's a hardy genus and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Is Isatis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Presently, Isatis tinctoria is considered a noxious weed in certain states, including Idaho and Montana.
How do I remove Isatis plants from my garden?
To remove Isatis, dig up the entire plant, ensuring to remove all roots. Regular monitoring and removal of new sprouts is necessary to prevent re-establishment.
Summary
The Isatis plants genus is a part of the Brassicaceae family. The genus contains biennials and perennials. These are native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. Known for their clusters of yellow flowers, these plants have been historically used to produce dyes.
Isatis plants enjoy full sun, and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is typically done through seeds, these should be sown in the spring or fall.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Isatis plants. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Lobelia, Lapeirousia plant, and Mustard plants.
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