How to Grow Nigella

This feathery annual is also known as Love-in-a-Mist, Fennel flower, Wild fennel, and Devil-in-a-Bush. Nigella performs best in cooler growing areas, in ordinary, well-drained, pH-neutral soil. Fertilize and deadhead regularly, and water in long dry spells. It is easy to plant and grow Nigella seeds. Nigella may self sow, depending on conditions.

Latin
Nigella damascena
Family: Ranunculaceae

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun

Timing
Try sowing indoors, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out after last frost. Better luck may come from direct sowing outdoors 1-2 weeks before last frost when some risk of frost still exists, and then sow again every three weeks for the next 3 months. Otherwise, direct sow in the fall. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 8-15 days.

Starting
Just cover the small seeds. Aim for a final spacing of 20-30cm (8-12″).

Growing
Nigella performs best in cooler growing areas, in ordinary, well-drained, pH-neutral soil. Fertilize and deadhead regularly, and water in long dry spells. It is easy to plant and grow Nigella seeds. Nigella may self sow, depending on conditions.