Nigella sativa
black cumin
An erect, branching annual to 30cm tall, with very finely divided, bright green leaves. In summer it produces blue-tinged, white flowers to 3.5cm across; these are followed by inflated seed pods containing numerous seeds. These aromatic nigella or black cumin seeds are used in cooking
Other common names
common fennel flowerfitches
see morekalanji
kalaunjii
kalongi
kammum aswad
nutmeg flower
Roman coriander
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Nigella are upright, bushy annuals with finely dissected leaves and solitary flowers with 5 blue or white, petal-like sepals and feathery bracts, followed by ornamental seed pods
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S.W. Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in situ in mid-spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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