How to Grow Nigella

Nigella (Nigella damascena), also called love-in-a-mist or devil-in-a-bush, is an annual flower native to Africa and Europe. It grows up to 2 feet high and 1 1/2 feet wide. The plants have delicate, bright green foliage and produce tufted flowers with protruding centers. The flowers are available in various shades of white, purple and blue and are followed by burgundy or cream-colored seed pods. Nigella grows in full sun to partial shade and soil that retains moisture well. It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 to 10.

Things You'll Need

• Garden fork
• Water-soluble fertilizer
• Pruning shears

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Eliminate all grass and weeds from the chosen planting site.

   • 2

     Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

   • 3

     Sow the nigella seeds in the prepared location and cover with 1/8 inch of soil.

   • 4

     Water lightly right after planting, taking care not to bury the seeds too deeply. Continue to water when the surface of the garden soil feels dry.

   • 5

     Feed with water-soluble fertilizer once every week, in the amount listed on the package.

   • 6

     Pull weeds from around the plants when they are noticed.

   • 7

     Shear off blooms as they fade.