Isatis lusitanica
TAXONOMY
FamilyBrassicaceae
GenusIsatis
Zone6
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Isatis lusitanica, commonly known as Portuguese woad, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant in the family Brassicaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is known for its use in producing blue dye. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves and tall flowering stems with yellow flowers. It undergoes a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Peltaria Aleppica
Woad
Isatis aegyptiaca
Isatis aleppica
Isatis pyramidata
Isatis stenocarpa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Portuguese woad prefers full sun and moderate temperatures. It should be watered when the soil is almost completely dry. The plant thrives in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold. It is relatively easy to care for but requires attention to its light and water needs.Soil
Isatis lusitanica prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soil that is not too rich in nutrients. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied during the growing season. Fertilize sparingly, as the plant does not require high nutrient levels.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Isatis lusitanica, as it is typically grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repotting can be done in the spring when the plant shows new growth. Use a well-draining soil mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.Propagation
Propagation is usually done by seeds. Sow seeds in the spring or fall directly in the garden or in seed trays. Keep the soil moist until germination, which typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.Pruning
Pruning is not required for Isatis lusitanica. However, removing spent flowers can encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.Toxicity
Isatis lusitanica is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. It is generally considered safe to grow in gardens and around homes.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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