About
A single-stemmed or branching annual to 60cm tall with delicately cut, lime green leaves. In summer it produces flowers to 4.5cm across in shades of pale to rosy pink; these are followed by decorative, inflated seed capsules. Both the flowers and seed capsules can be used for floral arrangements. A good plant for pollinating insects.
About the genus
Nigella are upright, bushy annuals with finely dissected leaves and solitary flowers with 5 blue or white, petal-like sepals and feathery bracts, followed by ornamental seed pods
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in situ in mid-spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free