Cosmos originate from Mexico and Central South America, where the flowers still grow wild by the roadside. The flowers produce a rich orange-yellow dye, used in pre-Columbian America and later in Southern Africa to dye wool. The flowers have also been used in Thailand as a medicinal tea.

Dye colours obtained – High levels of anthocyanins, flavanols and chalcones give amazing orange and yellow hues. Pair with the use of iron to modify the colour to rich rusty browns and to improve lightfastness.

Please remember to keep your dyeing tools and equipment separate from those used for cooking. This ensures that any leftover dyes, chemicals, or residues from the dyeing process don’t contaminate your food, keeping both your culinary and crafting experiences safe and enjoyable.