What crop from South Carolina’s past is this growing near the coast?
This is indigo (Indigofera tinctoria). Eliza Lucas-Pinckney was the first to successfully cultivate and commercialize indigo in America. Indigo became a significant economic driver during the late 1700s for much of the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Indigo was grown, and its leaves were processed and used as a dye. By the mid-1770s, the US was exporting 1.1 million pounds of processed indigo to Great Britain, which was valued at over $28 million in today’s money.
Today, indigo is grown as a historical crop for many schools, community gardens, and farms to teach the culture and history of the Lowcountry. In addition, many small farms have begun growing indigo, hosting workshops on processing, and creating many indigo-dyed goods. Tablecloths, handkerchiefs, shirts, and even surfboards are dyed with indigo to create unique gifts. We are nowhere near producing 1.1 million pounds of the product, but the niche industry is growing, especially in the Lowcountry of SC. Make sure to visit your local farms to pick up some indigo goods. Learn more about indigo here.
This week’s question is from Zack Snipes, Coastal Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 