This elegant annual has delicate-looking flowers but is very easy to grow.
Also called love-in-a-mist, nigella is anannual flowernative to Europe.
It has delicate, airy foliage that frames its multilayered, soft blue blossoms.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Where to Plant Nigella
Choose a location in full sun with well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
The plant is also used for edging or in mass plantings.
Individual plants shine as fillers in window boxes or containers.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
In early spring, as soon as the ground is soft enough to be worked, sow the seeds.
Sow seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and cover thinly, as light is required for germination.
For an informal cottage garden planting, broadcast seeds in a garden bed.
Credit: Nancy Rotenberg
Germination takes 10 to 14 days at a temperature between 60 and 65F.
Thin young seedlings to 4 to 5 inches apart before they get too crowded.
Nigella Care Tips
Love-in-a-mist is very easy to grow.
Credit: Nancy Rotenberg
Water nigella during dry spells, fertilize it regularly, and deadhead faded blooms.
Light
Nigella needsfull sunto thrive, at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily.
Theideal pHis between 6.0 to 7.0.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It thrives in temperatures between 65F and 72F and languishes in extremely hot summer weather.
The plant tolerates frost but wont survive harsh winters.
Fertilizer
Fertilization is usually unnecessary if you have planted nigella in soil amended with organic matter.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Allow some plants to form seed pods and cut and dry those for crafts or dried arrangements.
A one-gallon container usually works well.
Remember that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilization than plants in garden soil.
Pests and Problems
Nigella is rarely affected by serious pests or diseases.
You might findwhiteflies, thrips, and other soft-bodied insects on the plants.
Wash them away with a garden hose or control heavy infestations with insecticidal soap.
Overwatering and poor drainage may cause root rot.
How to Propagate Nigella
Nigella is best propagated from seed, and it easily reseeds.
‘Cambridge Blue’ Nigella
This cultivar hasdouble deep blue flowers on 10-inch tall plants.
It is more earthbound and produces striking blue flowers all season long.
Its spreading habit is perfect for spilling over baskets, window boxes, and other containers.
Evolvulus does best in rich, well-drained soil and has average watering needs.
Pentas
Pentasis a butterfly magnet that blooms all summer long, even during the hottest weather.
Its large clusters of starryblooms attract butterfliesand hummingbirds by the dozens.
The plant excels in containers and in the groundit even makes a good houseplant if you have enough light.
It thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
They don’t mind cold weather and even endure a little snow and ice.
Pansies are pretty when planted in masses in garden soil but are also beloved in pots and containers.
By summer, pansies bloom less, and their foliage starts to brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nigella seed pods can bedried for use in arrangements.
Cut the seed pods shortly after the petals drop and before the pods mature and split.
Gather stems into loose bundles and hang them upside down out of direct sunlight to dry.
Nigella damascenaandNigella sativaare both annual flowering plants in the genusNigella.
