Nigella

( nye - JELL - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is filled with species of flowering annual plants that need full sun to partial shade and regular water. Species are commonly referred to as Love-In-A-Mist or Devil-In-The-Bush. The flowers will attract birds and bees to your garden, increasing biodiversity. This native of the Mediterranean is considered somewhat old-fashioned, and flowers can come in blue, white, or rose. Seed capsules have a papery effect to them and make these plants great candidates for dried arrangements. Use these easy-care flowers in mixed beds, borders, or containers, or as members of cut flower, pollinator, cottage, informal, or English gardens.

nigella Species and Varietals

The genus Nigella is a member of the plant family Ranunculaceae and includes 18 species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Delphinium and Aconitum (Monkshood). The genus name is derived from niger, the Latin word for black, referring to the plants' dark seeds. This species of flower can grow in all zones. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Nigella arvensis (Field Nigella, Wild Fennel Flower, Black Bread Weed, Wild Fennel)
These plants are native to North Africa, and various areas of Europe into the Middle East. They are sometimes cultivated as a crop plant, used in its native range as a substitute for Nigella sativa (Black Caraway).

Nigella damascena (Love-In-A-Mist, Devil in the Bush, Fennel Flower)
These annual flowering garden ornamentals are native to southern Europe, north Africa, and southwestern Asia. It is typically found growing in dam, neglected patches in the landscape. The specific epithet refers to Damascus, Syria. Plants typically reach between 8 and 20 inches tall when in bloom, and flowers appear in early summertime. Blossoms can range in color from white, pink, pale purple, and of course, blue. These plants will self-seed. There are many cultivars that have been developed with varying characteristics and flower color.

'Albion Black Pod'
White flowers fade to reveal dark mahogany pods that are valued as decoration.

'Miss Jekyll'
Reaching 1.5 feet tall, this variety has semi-double blue blossoms.

'Miss Jekyll Alba'
To 1.5 feet with white flowers.

'Mulberry Rose'
With deep pink blooms.

'Oxford Blue'
Taller variety with deep blue flowers and dark seed pods.

'Persian Jewels'
To 15 inches tall in a variety of bloom colors.

Nigella hispanica (Spanish Fennel Flower, Spanish Love-in-a-Mist)
These plants are native to Portugal, Spain and France, and can be annuals or biennials. Plants will typically reach about 2 feet tall when mature and in bloom. Flowers are great at attracting pollinators to the garden. Flowers are purple to blue-grey with red to wine-red centers.

Nigella papillosa (Love-in-a-Mist, Spanish Love-in-a-Mist, Spanish Nigella'
This selection of a related species has flat white petals, and the flowers have prominent dark stamens. The seedpods are black, and create interest in dried arrangements. It can reach 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Cultivars include 'African Bride' (with large, pure white flowers with dark purple-black stamens), 'Delft Blue' (with white petals streaked with blue and grey-purple), and 'Midnight' (with large, velvety deep purple to blue-black flowers with burgundy stamens).

Nigella sativa (Black Caraway, Black Cumin, Nigella, Kalonji, Charnushka, Fennel Flower, Nutmeg Flower, Roman Coriander, Black Onion Seed)
These plants are native to eastern Europe and western Asia, but have naturalized around the world. The plant is cultivated as a spice in many areas of its native range. These plants can reach up to between 8 and 36 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and produce blue flowers.

Caring for nigella

Nigella, or Love-In-A-Mist, can be grown from seed in the garden, started from seed indoors, or purchased as specimens or seedlings from a reputable nursery. Nursery seedlings (sometimes referred to as plugs) will be relatively small, as these plants develop a taproot over time that is not conducive to being grown in a stout nursery pot. Plant in full sun for best blooms and overall plant health; they require between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day to thrive, but in the warmest climates of their zone range do appreciate some afternoon shade when temperatures are at their peak. These plants are not picky about soil, but do best in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil that has a neutral pH (around 7.0). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperature, and increase soil moisture retention. Water newly planted Love-In-A-Mist regularly as it establishes a strong root system. At maturity, these plants appreciate consistent moisture. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Each year in springtime, apply a 2-inch layer of organic compost around the planting area to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient load. This feeding should be sufficient to provide these flowers with enough nutrients to get through their growth and flowering seasons with ease. Deadhead spent flowers as they appear. These plants will reseed freely if allowed, and can quickly spread to areas of the garden (or areas of your neighbor's garden) where they may be unwanted. At the end of the growing season, plants can be pulled. Love-In-A-Mist does not perform well in hot weather, and will fade more quickly as temperatures increase in summertime.

Growing Nigella in Containers
Nigella, or Love-In-A-Mist, can be grown either in the ground or in containers. Choose a large, deep pot for growing Nigella in a container; these plants grow from a taproot that needs space to extend deep into the soil. Ensure that soil is well-draining, very fertile, and amended with plenty of organic material. Water both new and established plantings regularly; Nigella prefers to have consistently moist soils. Love-In-A-Mist grown in containers will need to be irrigated more often than their in-ground counterparts; as a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune spent blooms to clean up the appearance of the plant and to discourage reseeding. At the end of the growing season in summertime, plants can be pulled and composted.

Harvesting Nigella
Love-In-A-Mist flowers are popular in both fresh and dried flower arrangements. Once flowers have opened, they can be cut from the plant and immediately placed in cool water. Alternatively, the entire plant can be chopped off just above ground level and harvested for its flowers. Fresh, cut flowers will last longer if leaves are removed from the lower part of the stem. They have a vase life of between 7 and 10 days. To harvest Nigella for its seed pods, make sure to leave all flowers on the plant. After flowers fade, they will be replaced by rounded seed heads that typically emerge light green with maroon to purple stripes. They will eventually brown and turn brittle. Pods can be harvested at any stage of growth, depending on the aesthetics the florist desires in their bouquet or arrangement.

Some species of Nigella are harvested for their edible seeds, which are used as seasoning. They are used similarly to sesame or poppy seeds, used in and on breads or roasted to flavor sauces, chutneys, and marinades. They have a taste that is a blend of onion, nutmeg, black pepper, and oregano. The species most commonly harvested for their seeds are Nigella sativa and Nigella arvensis, whose seed pods are ready for harvesting in late summer. Harvest seed pods by pulling up plants entirely or cutting stalks below the pods, and then storing them upside-down in a bag. Once inside, carefully take the plants out of the bag and lay them over a cookie tray or similar shallow dish. Pour out any seeds that have fallen into the bottom of the bag. Then, lightly tap the stems to release more seeds. The pods can be cut open and have their contents poured out, as well. Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark cabinet. They have a very long shelf life; discard if they have a musty (as opposed to a sharp) smell.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Nigella, or Love-In-A-Mist, is an annual plant that does not transplant well, and therefore it is best propagated via seed. Plants will re-seed freely in the garden, or seeds can be harvested for planting elsewhere. To propagate your Love-In-A-Mist plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Nigella by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.