Nigella damascena is a hardy, multi-functional self-seeding annual flower, a Middle Eastern cousin of Nigella sativa.
Nota bene: Do not confuse the two! The seeds of Nigella damascena are not edible!
The plant itself is magnificent, with delicate blue flowers surrounded by a green mist of lacy feathers (hence the name Love in a Mist).
TIPS: If you do not want your Nigella to reseed – or you want to spread the Nigella beauty to another part of your garden –
- Cut the seedpods while green and fresh.
- Tie the stems with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, dark location for several weeks
- Use as you please
Why is Nigella in the collection if she is an annual, you ask?
The fact is, the re-seeding is so reliable and prolific that Nigella sativa will be as permanent as a perennial if you let it.
The Tale
One of the common name’s is ‘Katharine’s flower’ – named after the saint who suffered martyrdom on a wheel, which is maybe a reference to the way the leaves spread like the spokes of a wheel. Maybe?
Other Names:
Love in a Mist
Origin:
Syria
Similaire
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