How to Grow Nigella
Nigella damascena
Nigella is a hardy annual that thrives in full sun and poor to average, well-drained soil. Direct sow in spring or autumn — it dislikes root disturbance and does not transplant well. Thin seedlings to 15 cm for best results. Succession sow every 3–4 weeks for a long display of delicate blue-purple flowers surrounded by feathery foliage. Deadhead to prolong flowering, or leave pods to ripen for stunning dried arrangements and prolific self-seeding next year. Virtually trouble-free and one of the easiest annuals to grow.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 5°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed. Thrives in poor to average, well-drained soil — rich soil produces lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
- Very easy and virtually trouble-free. Self-seeds prolifically — leave some pods to ripen for natural drifts next year. Succession sow every 3–4 weeks for continuous flowers.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 5°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–20°C
- Direct sow
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 15 cm |
| Row spacing | 25 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.5 cm |
| Mature height | 45 cm |
| Mature spread | 20 cm |
Direct sow and thin to final spacing. Nigella resents root disturbance and does not transplant well. Closer spacing can provide some mutual support for delicate stems.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and flower buds, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew deposits.
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Spray with fatty acid-based insecticide
- Encourage ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing deltamethrin or lambda-cyhalothrin
Disease Powdery Mildew
Symptoms: White powdery coating on leaves and stems, causing yellowing and reduced vigour, especially later in the season.
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves. Spray with a fungicide if severe.
Prevention: Space plants well for good airflow, avoid overcrowding, and thin seedlings early to 15 cm.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 5°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 4°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 9h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Nigella?
- Plant Nigella 15cm apart with 25cm between rows.
- When does Nigella flower?
- Nigella typically flowers approximately 65 days after transplanting.
- Is Nigella frost hardy?
- Nigella is classified as Hardy.
