Jar with yellow sticker labeled "Gardenia Seed: G. Jasminoides."

Arrangment of yarn skeins and fiber swatches dyed with gardenia seed, together with a small wooden container of gardenia seed powder.

Fiber swatch showing bright yellow wool yarn.

Fiber swatch showing bright yellow tussah silk.

Fiber swatch showing bright yellow mulberry silk.

Fiber swatch showing yellow tshirt cotton.

Fiber swatch showing yellow handloom cotton.

Gardenia Seed Natural Dye

from $22.99

Shepherd Textiles Gardenia Seed Natural Dye contains the ground fruits and seeds of the cape jasmine, gardenia jasminoides. Gardenia seeds have been used for centuries as a natural dye in China, Korea, and Japan. They contain a powerful yellow pigment called crocin—the same dyestuff that gives saffron its color. Crocin has an exceptional affinity for silk, and gardenia seeds were one of the sources of the saffron-colored robes worn by Theravada monks in antiquity. Gardenia seeds also dye wool and cotton well, even without a mordant. This is a strong, easy-to-use natural dye that is perfect for both beginners advanced dyers. Our ground gardenia seeds are imported from South Korea, and give strong colors at 40% weight-of-fabric.

Before using, please read out Guide to Dyeing with Gardenia Seed for background, color recipes, and important safety information.

Product of South Korea.

Size: