This manual is a step-by-step guide for farmers in the Southeastern United States (zones 7a-9b) on how to grow Indigofera suffruticosa , the main plant used to make indigo dye. Whether you're new to indigo farming or looking to refine your skills, this guide covers everything from planting to dye extraction. In Part One, Planting and Cultivation, we cover the essential steps: preparing the soil, selecting the best location, preparing your seeds, and managing weeds and crops throughout the growing season. Part Two, Harvesting and Pigment Extraction, explains how to properly harvest your indigo and extract the dye. You’ll learn about water extraction, fermentation, and how to store and finish your dye. In the final section, there is a bibliography and page of resources to help indigo growers navigate how to use their processed indigo. This manual includes blank pages after each section for note-taking. It offers practical advice for growing and processing indigo, while also honoring the cultural history of indigo farming in the Southeastern U.S. We hope it provides valuable guidance for both new and experienced farmers in bringing this vibrant, historically significant, and complex crop to life. Introduction
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