How To Grow Nigella Flowers From Seed
Nigella, also known as 'Love in a mist'. There is something romantic about nigella, perhaps the name helps but they remind me of little stars in the night. Nigella has the softest of fern like foliage and if left forms beautiful seed pods that can be dried.
Sowing and germination tips
Planting and harvesting tips
The denim blue is my absolute favourite and looks so beautiful floating in the will en masse. Also flowering in rose and white.
A hardy annual I have found that when I sowed later autumn, the established seedlings overwintered well, handled some light frosts and came to life early spring. I have not noted it to be affected by any pests or disease and over all a very low maintenance flower to grow.
I have found nigella flowers do not enjoy the hot weather.
Sowing + Germination Tips:
- Sow the seeds in autumn and early spring in cooler climates.
- It can be direct sown or raised as seedlings. Cover the seeds very lightly with soil.
- Germination takes 10 - 15 days at 16-18 degrees.
- Flowering period is shorter than most, so succession planting in 2 week intervals.
Planting Tips:
- If growing seedlings transfer them to the garden after hardening off at around 6 weeks of growth, the seedlings have a tap root, so take care when transferring not to disturb this.
- Choose a full sun position.
- Space the plants 30cm apart.
- Nigella can tolerate pretty average soil as long as it is well draining.
- I haven't found nigella to grow super tall, around 50cm high, but I did find it was happier with netting support from the wind.
- Not necessary to pinch the plant as each branches well and products lots of flowers.
Harvesting Tips:
- Flowers take around 70 days from seed to bloom.
- Flowers can be harvested when the buds begin to open.
- Nigella is a great self seeder if left.
- Saving the seed, harvest the pods when pale brown and crunchy, you will hear the seeds rattle. Pop them in the paper bag, label, date and save them for next season.
Our Favourite Nigella Varieties
