Alkanet, True (Alkanna tinctoria), packet of 5 seeds, organic
$3.95
Family: Borage (Boraginacea)
Hardy to Zones 7 to 11
(Dyer’s Bugloss) Herbaceous perennial ground cover native to Southern Europe. Nearly extirpated–extremely rare. A pretty, gently mounding plant studded with myriads of sky-blue flowers. Source of brilliant red napthoquinone compounds known as alkannin and shikonin. Traditional usage (TWM): Coloring agent for salves, lip balm and tinctures. Preservative and anti-inflammatory. Plant prefers full sun and dryish soils. Sow in fall or very early spring, in the cool, moist shade. Seed is from recent harvest, germination is slow–do not prematurely discard flats! Once seedlings reach a sufficient size, they should be planted out to the garden in a sunny, well-drained spot.
5 seeds per packet, certified organically grown
Out of stock
Richo Cech –
hello josee, sorry, no timeline on this, we remain open. The plant is an obligate outcrosser. richo
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Question
A. –
What’s the status of your ongoing alkanet seed project? Now in spring 2022 is there any hope in sight for us avid ancient dye garden nerds? 🙂
Blessings on the work and your plants, please don’t give up!
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
we discovered that the plant is an obligate outcrosser. you can’t produce a seed crop from just a few individuals or from clones, so that ended our attempts to resuscitate the lineage. Will have to get new starter material. Minimum population size 24 for seed production. Ended up with plants, no seeds, and quite a bit of illumination regarding reproductive biology on this species, explaining why it does not do well when overharvested. you can’t bring it back from just a few plants. thanks for your interest, and please let me know if you find any properly identified seeds anywhere. r
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Kiki Buth-Strooker –
I like to order 3 packages of seed of the Alkanna Tinctoria.
Please let me know if you have them in stock.
They are not to find anywhere.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Richo Cech –
please hit waitlist
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal
Traci Hargrove –
I would please like to place an Ordrr of 3 Packs of Alkanna Tinctoria Seeds or Plants, as soon as they become Available. Thankyou
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Question
Flowers –
How do you recommend over-wintering this plant in colder climates?
Upvote if this was helpful (0) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Watch Unwatch Flag for removal
Diana –
hi flowers, thanks for asking. So many people attempt overwintering by bringing plants into the house or garage and this usually does not work. Plants prefer oscillating temperatures otherwise they get disoriented. Thats why 70 degrees F and no air circulation means death. Potting up and bringing into a cold greenhouse often supplies the right conditions, as the plants can be watered occsionally and still experience oscillating temperatures. r
Upvote if this was helpful (1) Downvote if this was not helpful (0) Flag for removal