Ossabaw Indigo (Sea Island Indigo)
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Botanical Dye
Indigofera suffriticosa
Ossabaw Island is one of the Sea Islands located on the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the U.S. state of Georgia approximately twenty miles by water south from the historic downtown of the city of Savannah. In the late 18th century Ossabaw Island was a working indigo plantation. Indigo still grows on Ossabaw Island’s north end today.
Ossabaw Indigo, found on Ossabaw Island, is a unique strain of indigo with a deep and rich history. This indigo is particularly noted for its bright and vibrant blue color, which is distinct from other types of indigo. The island's secluded location allowed this particular strain of indigo to evolve into its own distinct lineage, thriving in the wild and becoming an integral part of the island's natural flora.
Historically, indigo played a significant role in the economy of Georgia and the Lowcountry area, being a highly prized crop for its dye. Before the American Revolution, indigo, alongside rice, was one of the most profitable cash crops in the New World. The dye from the indigo plants was used extensively in textiles, with its cultivation involving a significant amount of labor, historically including the work of enslaved people.
The indigo found on Ossabaw Island traces back to the 18th century, with remnants of the original indigo plantations still being discovered today. These discoveries underline the long-standing connection between the island and the cultivation of indigo, reflecting its importance in the colonial past of Georgia.
In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Ossabaw Indigo, with efforts to cultivate and use it in dyeing processes, celebrating the historical and cultural significance of this unique plant. Workshops and educational programs are occasionally held on the island to teach participants about the history and process of indigo dyeing, offering a hands-on experience with this heritage crop.
GROWING TIPS: Start indoors a few weeks before last frost, and plant out once all danger of frost has passed. Seeds should be planted half an inch deep. Seedlings don't mind being crowded, but ultimately plants should be spaced out by at least 8 inches. Indigo is a tropical plant that thrives best in very warm climate zones. Our grower Nate Kleinman was able to achieve bushy four feet tall plants in New Jersey.
Check out the 12 minute YouTube video in making indigo dye from the Ossabaw Island Foundation.
