Nigella

These annuals are found wild in southern Europe, northern Africa and Asia Minor. They are bushy, self-branching plants that may grow upright or sprawling, 1� to 2 feet. Their foliage is finely divided, resembling dill and fennel, and grows up to 3 inches long. The beautiful flowers are finely laced and up to 2 inches across. They may be white or pale to dark blue. Picking off the dead flowers will increase blooming, but prevents the seed capsules, which are valued for drying. N. sativa (Black Cumin, Nutmeg Flower, or Roman Coriander) grows in mounds 18 inches high. It has lacy foliage and pretty blue flowers, which are followed by swollen seedpods. This plant can be grown as a substitute for the spice Cumin (Cuminum cyminum).

Pot Cultivation

These plants flourish in regular, well cultivated garden soil. They need to be set 4 to 5 inches apart to produce healthy, long-lasting flowers. Nigellas don't need any support. To harvest Black Cumin, pick each pod as it turns yellow. Dry in batches in the sun. Use a catch cloth or bag to catch the seeds as the pods split, then strain the seeds to remove chaff. Black cumin has a strong flavor, resembling fennel. Grind the seeds and use as you would pepper in seasoning, but test first.

Propagation

Seeds may be sown outside in the spring. Don't sow them too thickly, however, because they will not flourish if overcrowded. They will need to be thinned 4 to 5 inches apart. These plants can easily be cultivated in a greenhouse that has a night temperature of 45 to 50 degrees. They may be sown from September to January to provide flowers from March to June. They may be grown in 5-inch pots or in deep flats or benches. These should be filled with a light, fertile, well drained soil. When transplanting seedlings, make sure not to disturb their roots for they won't recover very easily. Take care in watering; too much will cause failure and too little will cause their leaves to yellow. Plants that have filled their pots up with roots should be given a dilute liquid fertilizer weekly.

N. orientalis

VARIETIES

• N. damascena & variety Miss Jekyll;
• N. hispanica (Fennel Flower);
• N. orientalis;
• N. sativa (Black Cumin).