About
A bushy annual to 60cm, with feathery foliage. These mature into pale green, inflated capsules flushed with dark red. The bright blue flowers, produced in summer, have dark red centres consisting of the stamens and immature fruits.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in situ in mid-spring, or autumn in milder areas
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free