About
A feathery-leaved annual with yellow, saucer-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer. The pale green seedpods mature to ivory, and are strongly ribbed, resembling an inside-out umbrella.
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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 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
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. Autumn-sown plants may need the winter protection of a cold frame or cloche
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free