1st Inaugural Indigo Apprenticeship Series #1 By: Amanda Gough

Pre Cut Harvest from July photo by Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough

This blog series includes three different pieces written by Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough, AFA and Indigo Shade Map Intern & Apprentice.

Blog 1 of 3: Indigo Harvest & Processing Considerations.

Apprentice Amber Likins harvesting & sorting fresh indigo leaves. photo by: Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough

Persicaria tinctoria, also known as Japanese indigo, is one of the most notable plants in a natural dye garden.

To kick off the apprenticeship, we began our 1st harvest around 7am on Tuesday July 15 2025.  We were led by Rosa Chang and Kenya Miles the founders of Blue Light Junction. First we said a prayer offering gratitude and considering invitation for our collective ancestors to enter the space with us through the harvest. This was one of my favorite parts.

Inspection and Bundling photo by : Rosa Chang

As we began inspecting the indigo plants (Polygonum tinctorium), we looked for deep green leaves and sturdy green stems—signs of healthy plants full of indigotin potential. Reddish stems or red-tinged leaf tips can signal a nitrogen or phosphorus deficiency, which can sometimes be addressed mid-harvest with foliar feeding or soil amendments.

We began to cut them approximately 6-9 inches from above the ground above the nodule. We then removed off yellow , dry, and blackened leaves from our trimmed crop. These can affect your pigment color and health later down the line. For good measure- Take a few moments to gently pinch off damaged or discolored leaves by hand and discard them away from your processing area.

Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough Carrying Bundles Photo by : Rosa Chang

Handmade bundle drying before compost Photo by: Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough

We either created a bundle to be hung and dried and later composted OR we placed them aside to be rinsed and soaked in water for a quick ferment. We had plenty for both processes. You can commit yourself to just working through one of those processes.

Fresh indigo submerged in water after the rinse Photo by: Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough

Harvesting it properly ensures maximum pigment yield and a smoother dye process.

Pro Tips:

• Harvest in the morning before the sun wilts the leaves.

• Keep leaves cool if you’re not processing them the same day.

• The fresher the leaves, the brighter the dye yield.

• Compost your removed yellow/black leaves to return nutrients to the soil.

By taking the time to sort, cut, and prepare Persicaria tinctoria thoughtfully, you ensure stronger color results and a deeper connection to your dye process. Whether you’re a textile artist or a backyard dyer, each step is part of a larger cycle—connecting land, labor, and legacy in every blue thread.

By: Amanda "Ama Liza" Gough , AFA & Indigo Shade Map Intern & Apprentice.