Growing Nigella from seed:

• Unique Aesthetic: Nigella flowers are known for their delicate, feathery foliage and distinctive blooms, often in shades of blue, white, pink, or purple. They make stunning and unique additions to floral arrangements, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy.

• Long Vase Life: Nigella flowers tend to last well when cut and placed in water. With proper care, they can remain fresh and beautiful for an extended period, making them an excellent choice for bouquets and floral displays.

• Decorative Seed Pods: After the flowers have finished blooming, nigella produces attractive, balloon-like seed pods that can be dried and used in arrangements. These seed pods add an interesting textural element to both fresh and dried floral designs.

• Easy to Grow: Nigella is relatively easy to grow from seed. It can be sown directly into the garden and does not require specialized care. The plant is quite resilient and can thrive in various soil conditions, making it accessible for gardeners of all skill levels.

• Continuous Blooms: By staggering seed planting times, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh blooms throughout the growing season. This ensures that you have a steady stream of flowers for cutting, allowing for regular, beautiful floral arrangements in your home or for sharing with others.

Quick Guide

Direct Sow (Preferred):

• Timing: 5-7 weeks before last spring frost

• Seed Depth: Surface (press into soil)

• Germination time: 7-14 days

Start Indoors:

• Timing: 4-6 weeks before last spring frost

• Seed Depth: Cover very lightly

• Germination time: 7-14 days

• Transplant out: On last frost date

Plant Specifications

Step-by-Step Instructions - Starting Seeds Indoors

Collect Supplies:

• Seeds

• Seed starting trays or pots

• Seed starting mix (sterile)

• Labels and a marker

• Plastic wrap or a humidity dome

• Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

• Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

  Timing

  • When to Start: Begin the process about 5 to7 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

  Preparation

  • Clean Containers: Sterilize your seed starting trays or pots to prevent disease.

  • Moisten Seed Mix: Slightly moisten your seed starting mix so it's damp but not soggy.

  Planting Seeds

  • Fill Trays: Fill each cell in the seed tray with the moist seed starting mix.

  • Sow Seeds: Place 1-2 seeds in each cell.

  • Label Trays: Label each tray or pot with the variety and the planting date.

  Germination

  • Cover Seeds: Light is needed for germination but add a thin layer of fine vermiculite to prevent algae growth on soil surface.

  • Moisten Surface: Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the soil.

  • Create Humidity: Cover the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

  • Warmth: Place the trays in a warm location (70-75°F or 21-24°C). A heat mat can help.

  Light and Watering

  • Lighting: Once the seeds germinate (about 7-14 days), remove the cover and place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to prevent damping-off disease.

  Take Care of Seedlings

  • Thinning: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell or pot.

  • Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing time periods each day.

  Transplanting Outdoors

  • Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

  • Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

  • Planting: Plant seedlings 2-8 inches apart, depending on the variety.

  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting.