How to grow Nigella

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Seed Sowing

Nigella is a hardy annual that can be sown in September to overwinter for early blooms in spring. Alternatively sow in modules indoors from February. Cover seeds with a fine layer of compost. Nigella can be direct sown outdoors from April in rows 30cm apart.

Transplanting

If sowing in modules, transplant outside once seedlings are established, spacing 15cm apart. Nigella can also be grown in containers.

Plant Care

Keep the area weed-free and watered during hot spells. You can mulch around the plants to keep in moisture and prevent weeds. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Stems may need support, especially in windy growing conditions.

Challenges

Nigella are generally pest and disease-free.

Harvest

Pick the flowers often to encourage more flowers to form; they will usually flower for around 8 weeks. Ideally harvest the flowers in the morning when temperatures are low and plant water content is high. Plants will arrange better if left to sit in water for a few hours after cutting.

The empty seed heads also make a wonderful dried flower. To dry, hang upside down in bunches in a cool, dark and well-ventilated space. Handle carefully once dried as they tend to be quite brittle.

The empty seed heads of Nigella also make a wonderful ornamental dried flower.

Culinary Ideas

Nigella petals are edible and make a delightful addition to salads, desserts or ice cubes with their pop of colour and delicate feathery petals.

Seed Saving

Harvest the individual seedheads as they’ve formed and begin to dry. Lay out on a sheet to dry further and rub with your hands to release the seeds.

Store in a cool dark place; seeds should remain viable for around 5 years.

Nigella will self-seed if left in place in your garden.

Varieties