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Pruning guide · Annual
Woad: when and how to prune
Isatis tinctoria
Woad is best pruned in June–July.
| Pruning months | June–July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–June |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Woad: when to prune it?
Straight after flowering, in June–July, before the fruits ripen.
Woad: how to prune it?
- Cut the spent stems back to below the flower cluster, or the whole stem at the base.
- Leave a few stems if you want seed or want woad to return.
- After seeding the plant dies: clear it away in autumn.
- When weeding, remove unwanted seedlings.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: June–July.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Woad flowers in May–June, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Caution: Woad self-seeds massively and can run riot in sunny, lean soil. Cut the flower stems before the fruits ripen and clear away seedlings. In other countries it counts as a harmful weed.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.