How To Grow Madder Plants From Seed

Madder Growing in Early June USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a

Madder, Rubia tinctorium, also known as common madder, dyer's madder, and rose madder is a historical natural dye plant. It's importance as a dye plant throughout history cannot be over stated.

The attractive pointed leaves and long stems of Madder plants tend to lightly cling when you brush over them. They have very strong growing roots that spread. The tops of the plants will also sprawl in sticky low lying vines. Around mid summer lots of tiny yellowish star shaped flowers bloom. These form green berries, which develop into dark purple-black seeds.
 
In order to encourage lots of roots, these long vine-like stems should be gently pulled down to the ground as needed and covered with soil. You can also increase your crop by propagating from stem clippings rooted in water.

After three years of growth, your madder roots should be thick enough to use for dyeing. They can be used fresh or dried for later use. Dig up part of your madder patch in the fall, cut off the spent top growth, (this can be used for pale pink shades), and wash the roots.

To use as a dye, crush or break up the roosts as much as possible. To make a dye bath, soak in water and heat. Madder can also be used as a light fast dye without the need for an aluminum mordant. You can use a tannin with your madder root instead.

Madder can be used to dye silk, cotton, rayon, hemp, wool and any other natural fiber.

If you wish to continue growing madder, be sure to re-seed the area you harvested for roots in the spring. Starting three dedicated patches, harvesting one patch after three years, then re-seeding, insures you three year growth to harvest each year.

Growing Guide

Although growing madder does require patience, it really is worth the wait. The colors (pink, orange, red, purple, all from the same root depending on mordant used) from a madder root dye bath are very rich and beautiful.

Soak seeds in tepid water for 1-24 hours prior to planting to improve the germination rate.

• Botanical Name: Rubia tinctorium
• Sow Inside: In small containers 4 weeks before your last frost

• Sow outside (preferred method): In spring after danger of frost has passed
• Soil Temperature For Germination: 65-80°F
• Size: 24" Sprawling, Bushy
• Zone: 5-9
• Sun: Full
• Water: Moist, Well Drained
• Soil: Acidic, neutral, or alkaline (higher alkaline content tends to make the dye more vibrant)
• Seed Planting Depth: 1/2"
• Seed Spacing: 12"
• Days to Germination: 2-3 Weeks (tends to have a low germination rate, soak to improve the germination rate)
  

Seed Savers:
Allow plants to bloom and set seed. Harvest when hard and black. Old stagnant growth should be clipped back annually following setting of seed

Madder is a hardy herbaceous perennial plant in the coffee family. It can be considered an invasive plant depending on your growing goals and conditions.

Caution:
Madder is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, or your veterinarian immediately. Yes, I grow madder and have farm animals and cats. But please be advised, madder is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Madder Flowering Mid July USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a

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