Weld
Reseda luteola
Biennial
DYE: Lemon yellow
 
GROW: Weld is one of the oldest known dye plants, and is one of the trickiest to grow. It really prefers to self seed and grow where it wants! Due to its unique and varied cultivation qualities, please visit https://www.naturesrainbow.co.uk/2016/11/growing-weld/ for excellent information to successfully grow Weld.
 
HARVEST: All parts of the Weld plant, except for roots, will produce color. But strongest color can be achieved by harvesting the flower shoots and young leaves prior to going to seed. Harvest as needed and immediately cut the stalks into pieces a few inches long, dry out of direct sun and store in open paper bags.
 
EXTRACT DYE: Weld contains flavonoid pigments, and has excellent light and wash fastness. The woody stalks should be soaked overnight before using to help release dye - reserve the water for the dye bath. Medium color is achieved with a 1:3 ratio of dyestuff to fiber. Place the dyestuff in the dye pot and slowly bring to just below a simmer, hold for 30 minutes then let cool. Strain out the dyestuff, then compost the plant material. Weld is excellent as an overdye on Indigo for clear true greens.