Nigella damascena
Origin: Mediterranean
Improvement status: Cultivated material
Seeds per packet: ~90
Germination tested 10/2024: 86%
Life cycle: Annual
Love-in-a-Mist typically produces beautiful, lacy blue flowers, but this population will produce vivid white and pink colors as well. The form of these flowers is dazzling, as are the balloon-like seed pods that follow. This plant's black seeds have been traditionally used as a seasoning (like its much more popular cousin Nigella sativa, known as "black seed" or kalonji), but its is believed to contain low levels of a toxic alkaloid, so you should do your own research and be sparing if you decide to try it as a seasoning. Direct sow in early Spring and thin to 6” apart. It only blooms for a few weeks, so resow for flowers all summer. There's a good chance it will self seed for you as well. These seeds were grown by Clint Freund and Kass McKinnon of Cultivating the Commons in Madison, Wisconsin, which will receive half of the proceeds of all sales.
***May have a role for edible landscapers with its ability to self-seed itself and come back again and again.
GROWING TIPS: Direct seed 1/4 inch deep 2-3 weeks before last frost, or transplant healthy plant starts after last frost. We recommend direct seeding, as Nigella can be a bit fussy when transplanted.
