General
This feathery annual is also known as Love-in-a-Mist, Fennel flower, Wild fennel, and Devil-in-a-Bush.
Latin
Nigella damascena
Family: Ranunculaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 2-10
Timing
Try sowing indoors, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out after last frost. Better luck may come from direct sowing outdoors 1-2 weeks before last frost (mid-March on the coast) when some risk of frost still exists, and then sow again every three weeks for the next 3 months. Otherwise, direct sow in the fall. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-21°C (65-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 8-15 days.
Starting
Just cover the small seeds. Aim for a final spacing of 20-30cm (8-12").
Growing
Nigella performs best in cooler growing areas, in ordinary, well-drained pH neutral soil. Fertilize and deadhead regularly, and water in long dry spells. Nigella may self sow, depending on conditions.
