| Common Name | Nigella; love-in-a-mist; devil in the bush |
| Genus | Nigella |
| Species | damascena |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Life Cycle | annual |
| Tray Size | 125 cell |
| Plug Care | Harden off plugs on arrival and transplant or bump up immediately. Plants are sensitive to root disturbance. |
| Netting / Staking | none |
| Temperature Range | 25F when young is no issue. Nigella prefers a cold start to life and will bloom well in conditions below 75F. Best grown in spring, or planted in fall in mild winter climates. |
| Spacing | 6". 2-3 plants can be planted in the same hole. |
| Soil Preference | Prefers average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. |
| Light | Prefers full sun. |
| Pinching | Not necessary |
| When to Plant | Transplant plugs out as soon as the danger of frost has passed. |
| Harvesting | Cut the entire plant at once for ease of harvest. |
| Post Harvest Care | "Cut flowers last longer if the leaves are removed from the lower part of the stem. To dry the seed pods, harvest when the stripes are still visible and hang pods upside down in a dry, dark, airy place." – Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin |
| Diseases / Insects | No significant pest or pathogens. |
| Bailey's Notes | Nigella is versatile as it can either be cut while in flower or after it sets those gorgeous seed pods. Albion Black Pod has a lovely white flower that turns into deep mahogany pods if left alone. I harvest the entire plant for ease of harvesting. 1-3 plants can be bundled together to make 1 growers bunch. They also dry very well. Delft Blue has a bit of a cult following and is at its prettiest in flower. Grey/white flowers are heavily streaked with dark blue. They can also be allowed to form long lasting pods. |
| Resources |