How to Grow Nigella Sativa

Site black cumin in full sun for best flower and seed production. Choose a spot with fertile, well-drained soil.

Prepare the planting bed by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 5 or 6 inches. Level the bed with the rake and mark planting sites 9 to 12 inches apart.

Drop two or three seeds at each planting site and cover with 1/8 inch of soil. Water well with a gentle spray to settle the soil. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks; keep the soil moist but not soggy during germination. Thin the emerging plants by pinching off all but the strongest-growing seedling. Alternatively, start the seeds indoors four to six weeks before your expected transplant date.

Water during dry spells or very windy weather. The plants need about 1 inch of water a week for best growth.

Feed the plants when they are 4 to 6 inches tall with a flowering plant fertilizer. Follow the package directions for the amount to apply, which will vary depending on the product you choose.

Allow the flowers to wither and form seed pods. Do not trim away the spent flowers because doing so removes the seed capsule.

Harvest the plants when most of the balloon-shaped, striped seed pods have formed and are beginning to feel dry. Cut the plant at the base, insert it upside down inside a paper bag, then tie the bag closed with a rubber band. Hang the plants in a dry, airy spot so that the seed pods can continue to ripen. Once the seed pods have all dried, give the bag a good shake to release the seeds. You may need to break open some of the pods by hand.

Pour the gathered seeds out into a large, rimmed cookie sheet or plastic container. Remove any plant debris, then allow the seeds to dry for several days before putting them into an airtight container for storage. The seeds may be white or gray when they first fall out of the seed pods, but will change to black after being exposed to the air.