
- Hindi
- नील
- Botanical
- Indigofera tinctoria
- Family
- Fabaceae
About the plant
The dye plant of history, nitrogen-fixing and undemanding.
Growing it
Cut at flowering for the strongest dye.
What it is for
Natural indigo dye; green manure.
How to grow
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Water
- Weekly
- Season
- Jun–Jul
- Grows in
- Garden / ground, Terrace / rooftop
- Mature size
- 60–120 cm
- First harvest
- Leaves at 90 days
Cut at flowering for the strongest dye.
Traditional uses
Traditionally used — recorded as tradition, not as established effect. The two registers below are kept separate on purpose.
Traditional knowledge
Natural indigo dye; green manure.
Scientific evidence
This record has not yet assessed the research on these uses. Absence of an assessment here is not evidence either way.
Important: Traditional plant use does not replace professional medical advice. Do not treat a condition on the strength of this page — speak to a doctor.
Ecological value
Where it grows in India
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a named specialist
- Published