Nigella Damascena (LOVE-IN-A-MIST)

Common name:

Flowers from the Farm

Ragged lady, Wild fennel, and Devil-in-a-Bush

Family of plants: buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Subspecies: 15 species in the genus Nigella

Native to: southern Europe, northern Africa and southwest Asia

Light requirements: FULL SUN

Skill level: EASY/Beginner

Cut Flower: YES

Dried Flower: YES

Fragrant: NO

HARDINESS: Hardy in zones: 2-10 Height: up to 45cm (up to 20 inches) Spread: up to 23cm (up to 10 inches ) Time to plant seeds: September to May Flowering period: July to September

This charming cottage garden lady is a real winner for anyone looking to work up their courage in becoming a gardener. Native to southern Europe, northern Africa as well as southwest Asia, it was known to survive in the harshest conditions, along roadsides, on neglected, rocky ground. So it’s no wonder that it is easily cultivated, by direct seeding into the ground. Seeds usually germinate within a maximum of three weeks after sowing. They can be sown in autumn or early spring and need not be covered. They can also be started indoors, about a month before they get transplanted, but unless you need them to bloom earlier for some specific reason, I would not recommend it, as the flower does not transplant well, due to its long root system.

Especially for beginners, I would recommend direct seeding, since once established, Nigella will hardly need any care and readily self-seed in the fall, giving it an early start come spring. However, since its blooming time is fairly short, succession planting every three weeks will enable you to enjoy the flowers throughout the summer. After flowers fade balloon shaped, purple striped seedpods make their appearance. They are quite decorative in their own right and can be used in cut flower bouquets or dried arrangements, adding a lot of interest.

There are several cultivars of Nigella, in a number of different colors. Miss Jekyl, a soft blue color and Miss Jekyll Alba the white version, have both received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Other varieties include: Mulberry Rose, a deep pink; Oxford Blue, a taller variety; the Persian Jewels series with of shades of white, lavender, purple, pink and blue.