Guide to growing Black Cumin - Nigella

Nigella are hardy annuals that grow from 15 to 60cm in height.

Their seeds are often used in cooking. Nigella blooms in the summer with blue, pink or white flowers and have feathery leaves.

Some common names for Nigella include, Black Cumin, Fennel Flower and Love in a mist.

When using Nigella seeds for cooking the seeds can be harvested by placing the pods in a paper bag; allow to dry out completely, then rub the paper bag in your hands to release the black cumin seeds. Next cut the corner of the bag and retrieve the seeds with use of a sieve. Ensure that the black cumin seeds are completely dry then store in an airtight container.

How to grow Black Cumin

It is best to sow black cumin seeds once a month from just before the last frost of spring until early summer, and then once again towards the end of autumn; this will result in a prolonged blooming period when growing black cumin. Once sown lightly cover the seeds. It should take about one or two weeks for Nigella species to germinate once the temperature reaches 15 degrees Centigrade. Ideally Black cumin should be grown in a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage and a soil of pH 6 to 7.

It is possible to grow Nigella species indoors first, it is best to grow them in peat pots and allow seven weeks or so before transplanting them in the garden in spring or autumn at about 25cm apart.

Caring for Nigella plants

It is easy to look after Black cumin and other Nigella; water during very dry spells supply fertiliser, If you are not growing black cumin for its seeds then deadhead the flowers for further blooms and to stop them spreading.