- Brown or yellow onion (Allium cepa) skins produce a deep, rusty, orange
- Red or purple onion (Allium cepa) skins create a vibrant purple
- Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) unexpectedly gives a grey-blue
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) creates a bright yellow
- Purple beetroot (Beta vulgaris) yields pink or burgundy eggs
- 1.Have a separate saucepan for each colour.
- 2.Cut up your vegetables and pour just enough water to cover them over your chosen plants.
- 3.Allow to simmer for at least half an hour. If you leave it to steep overnight you will get an even richer colour.
- Create patterns on the eggs' surfaces by covering them with leaves and flowers from the garden. Start by hunting in the herb patch!
- Wrap the eggs in foliage and flowers, onion skins, or cover them with stickers and stars.
- Hold everything in place by putting the decorated eggs in with a stocking, secured with a twist tie.
- Strain the dye and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to every cup of dye mix. Let it cool slightly to avoid cracking the eggs.
- Carefully lower the wrapped (room temperature) eggs into the dye pots.
- Simmer for no more than 20 minutes. Cool the eggs in the dye for a richer colour.
- Rinse the eggs in cool water, removing the flowers and foliage to reveal the patterns!
- Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna)
- Hydrangea species
- Oleander (Nerium oleander)
- Princess Lilies (Alstroemeria species)
- Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
- Tulips (Tulipa species and cultivars)