Nigella Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 23rd Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Nigella plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Black Cumin, Fennel Flower, & Love in a Mist: Cultivation & Garden Use

Nigella are hardy annuals that grow from 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 inches) in height.

Their seeds are often used in cooking. Nigella blooms in the summer with blue, pink, or white flowers and have feathery leaves. Some common names for Nigella include, Black Cumin, Fennel Flower, and Love in a mist.

When using Nigella seeds for cooking, the seeds can be harvested by placing the pods in a paper bag; allow to dry out completely and then rub the paper bag in your hands to release the black cumin seeds.

Next cut the corner of the bag and retrieve the seeds with use of a sieve. Ensure that the black cumin seeds are completely dry, then store in an airtight container.

How to Grow Black Cumin (Nigella Plant)

It is best to sow black cumin seeds once a month from just before the last frost of spring until early summer, and then once again towards the end of autumn. This will result in a prolonged blooming period when growing black cumin plants.

Once sown, lightly cover the seeds. It should take about one or two weeks for Nigella species to germinate once the temperature reaches 15 degrees Centigrade (59°F).

Ideally Black cumin should be grown in a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage, and a soil of pH 6 to 7.

It is possible to grow Nigella species indoors first. It is best to initially grow them in peat pots, and allow seven weeks or so before transplanting them in the garden in spring or autumn at about 25 cm (2 feet) apart.

Nigella Sativa - Black Cumin by DominusVobiscum; creative commons.

Caring for Nigella Plants in your Garden

It is easy to look after Black cumin and other plants from the Nigella genus. Water them during very dry spells, and supply fertilizer.

If you are not growing Nigella for its seeds, then deadhead the flowers for further blooms and to stop them from spreading.

Nigella Species and Cultivars

Nigella arvensis: Field nigella, Wild fennel flower

Nigella arvensis photograph by candiru; CC.

Nigella damascena: Love-in-a-mist, Devil in the bush

Nigella damascena photograph by Manu; CC.

Nigella damascena cultivar alba: White Love-in-a-mist

Nigella damascena alba photograph by Swallowtail Garden Seeds; CC.

Nigella sativa: Black cumin, kalonji, Black caraway

Nigella sativa photograph by Eran Finkle; CC.

Nigella hispanica: Spanish Love in a Mist

Nigella hispanica photograph by gailhampshire; CC.

Common Gardener's Questions

What is Nigella?

Nigella are annual plants that are grown for ornamental and culinary use in the garden. Nigella sativa seeds are ground up as a spice, and are perhaps better known as 'Black Caraway', 'Black Cumin', or Black Coriander'. Other common names include Onion Seed, and Kalonji. Further to their culinary use, the seed heads are often used in floral arrangements.

What is a good location in the garden for Nigella?

These plants do best in a sunny area. If you are growing as an ornamental garden plant then they do well in numerous circumstances, such as in containers, as a patio feature plant, in borders, beds, coastal, and cottage gardens. The species Nigella damascena also known as Love-in-a-mist, is commonly grown in gardens.

Nigella by Tie Guy ll.

How tall are Nigella? and When do they bloom?

Plants can reach about 60 cm (2 feet) in height. Love in the Mist ranges from 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20 inches), with Spanish Love in the Mist (Nigella hispanica) being a tad taller at 60 cm (2 feet). Black cumin (Nigella sativa) typically reaches 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches). Nigella blooms in early summer, with pale blue, white, or pink flowers.

Where is Nigella native to?

The genus is native to Mediterranean Europe and Africa through to Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist) by OliBac.

More FAQs

How many members does the Nigella genus contain?

The Nigella genus includes about 20 species. These annuals are beloved for their unusual, ornamental flowers and seed pods.

Do Nigella members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Nigella makes a wonderful addition to gardens. Their unique flowers, attractive seed pods, and ferny foliage add interest to borders and beds.

Which Nigella species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-mist) is the most commonly grown species. It is appreciated for its sky-blue flowers and intricate, lace-like foliage.

Are Nigella plants fragrant?

No, Nigella flowers are not typically fragrant. Their appeal is more visual, with unique flowers and interesting seed pods.

What is the perfect location to grow Nigella?

Nigella enjoys full sun and well-drained soil. It's a forgiving plant that can grow in less-than-ideal conditions and is perfect for cottage-style gardens.

Is Nigella invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

While Nigella can self-seed readily, it's not generally considered invasive in the USA. However, it's always a good idea to check local regulations.

How do I remove Nigella plants from my garden?

Nigella plants are annuals and can be removed by pulling up after they've finished their lifecycle. To control self-seeding, remove spent flowers before seeds form.

Summary

The Nigella genus, commonly known as Love-in-a-mist, is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. This annual plant is cherished for its delicate, fern-like foliage and unique, intricate flowers, often followed by attractive seed pods.

Nigella prefers a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or early autumn. With its striking aesthetic, Nigella is a delightful addition to borders, cottage gardens, or as a cut flower in arrangements.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Nigella plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Anemone hupehensis and Caltha plants.