About
An erect, branching annual to 30cm tall, with very intricately divided, fresh green leaves. In summer it produces blue-tinged, white flowers to 3.5cm across; these are followed by inflated seed pods containing numerous seeds. These aromatic nigella or black cumin seeds are used in cooking.
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
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toS.W. Asia
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