Plug Connection
Nigella
So easy to grow, yet sometimes hard to get started!
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.
Grown in a 288 cell tray billed as 285
Order 6 or more weeks in advance of desired ship date
photo 1 and 2 courtesy of Kim at Blue Cloud Farm
photo 4 courtesy of Amanda Keene, Flowers on Phoenix
Order Minimums & Tray Sizes
The minimum Plug Connection order is four total trays (each tray can be a different variety)
A full shipping box contains FOUR 128 cell trays or a combination of 128 and 288 cell trays.
*If you are only ordering 288 cell trays, then FIVE trays will fill a box.
Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
| Common Name | Nigella; love-in-a-mist; devil in the bush |
| Genus | Nigella |
| Species | damascena |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Life Cycle | annual |
| Format | Plugs |
| 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 |