Indigo
Indigofera tinctoriafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. C5C7 — Indigofera tinctoria
Indigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoriaIndigofera tinctoria
IOverview
Overview
Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as Indigo, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to regions such as Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gulf States, Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. This plant thrives in full or partial sun with moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), making it adaptable to various conditions within its native range. Known for its edible leaves, Indigo is also valued for its ornamental qualities, featuring distinctive blue dye-producing flowers.
Quick answers
What is Indigo?
Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as Indigo, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to regions such as Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gulf States, Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
Compare with:African Oil Bean Oil Bean Tree→African Walnut→Allanblackia parviflora→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Indigo thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-12 and grows up to 2 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the plant receives adequate water while maintaining well-drained conditions. Propagation can occur through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-12
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Indigo for the first time
8steps
Start with Indigo by planting it in a sunny spot and following these simple steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Indigo seeds or seedlings, a container if planting indoors, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Indigo during spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil in containers. For outdoor planting, prepare the garden bed with loose, fertile soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep or transplant seedlings into containers or outdoors once they have grown a few leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Keep the plant in partial shade if temperatures are high.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Colouring
Other uses:DyeCover cropPest controlSoil conditionerTeethCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia8 regions
native (8)BangladeshIndiaIranMaldivesOmanPakistanSaudi ArabiaYemen
Africa13 regions
native (13)AlgeriaAngolaBotswanaBurkina FasoDjiboutiEgyptEritreaEthiopiaGhanaMalawiMozambiqueSomaliaSudan
Broader regions
native:Socotra, Gulf States, East Himalaya, Laccadive Is., Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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