Weld
Reseda luteola
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Pl. 78AC — Reseda luteola
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IOverview
Overview
Weld (Reseda luteola) is a biennial herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria. Known for its light-loving nature and preference for moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 7–7.5, this plant thrives in habitats ranging from sandy to clay soil types. Growing up to 1.5 meters tall, it is recognizable by its distinctive yellow flowers and can be found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. While primarily used for dyeing fabrics due to the bright red dye it produces, Weld is also edible, making it a versatile plant in culinary contexts. Its hardiness spans zones 5-9, allowing it to survive winters in temperate climates.
Quick answers
What is Weld?
Weld (Reseda luteola) is a biennial herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria. Known for its light-loving nature and preference for moist, well-drained soils with a pH of 7–7.5, this plant thrives in habitats ranging from sandy to clay soil types.
What is Weld used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Weld
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Weld has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine for its topical applications to support skin health, particularly for minor irritations and wounds. Its yellow dye compounds are believed to contribute to these benefits.
The yellow dye compounds found in Weld may have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated skin and promote healing of minor wounds. However, the specific mechanisms are not fully characterised.
- Weld has been traditionally used in European herbal medicine to support digestive health, particularly for mild stomach discomfort. It is often prepared as a decoction.
The bitter compounds found in Weld may stimulate bile production and improve digestion by enhancing gastric motility. However, the specific mechanisms are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Weld support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Weld prefers light to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-draining soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with a pH of 7–7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9 and grows as a biennial reaching heights of 1.5 meters. For propagation, sow seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist during the growing season for best results.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Biennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.5 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Weld for the first time
8steps
Start with Weld as a simple, hardy herb for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in late summer for fall harvest.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spaced 20-30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after the first flush of bloom to promote bushier growth and prevent self-seeding.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting deadheading.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Dyeoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe14 regions
native (14)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia4 regions
native (4)IranIraqKazakhstanPakistan
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is.
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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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