About
A bushy annual to 75cm tall, with very finely dissected leaves. In summer it produces white flowers heavily streaked and splashed with blue; the petals surround a boss of purple stamens. Both the flowers and inflated seed capsules that follow can be used for floral arrangements.
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
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
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