Nigella ‘Cramers Plum’

Description

Hardy Annual. Attracts pollinators. Produces double white flowers with contrasting dark purple seed pods that can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.

They excel as long-lasting cut flowers (7 days esp with preservative)  A hardy early bloomer in the garden with brilliant ferny leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers are framed by a delicate halo of fringed foliage. aka Spanish fennel flower native of southern Spain.

To dry, simply hang upside down in a warm, dry place out of bright light for 2 weeks. Edible flower (the seeds are also known to be used but are not quite the same in intensity as Nigella sativa). Keep the flowers cut and they will bloom from early spring straight through fall.

Recent research has shown that the seeds possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Seed extracts were shown to inhibit both forms of the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme involved in inflammation.

Sow 3-4 times every 2-3 weeks early in season for continuous flower/pod production. Direct seed (recommended) Sow in early spring (or fall) when soil temperatures reach 60°F (16°C). Fall sow where winters are mild. Cover lightly with soil as light is required for germination -allow 14-21 days to germinate. Transplants — Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Plants are sensitive to root disturbance so using soil blocks are recommended. If starting indoors put seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination.Thin seedlings once 5″ tall to 6″ apart in the garden.

Harvest the central stem at almost ground level, just above the lowest three to four side shoots & cut future stems at the base.Nigella can be harvested from the moment the blooms are cracking open until the seed pod has developed.

Ht. 18-28″ Avg.,  space 9-12″, pinch not necessary, Regular, well-drained soil in full sun, Hardy Annual, Open Pollinated, 65-70 days for flowers; 80-85 for pods, Winter hardy in zone 6+

Winter hardy to zone 6 but I find they self seed here in zone 5 Fergus Ontario

Harvest the central stem at almost ground level, just above the lowest three to four side shoots. Future cuts should be made at the stem base. Nigella can be harvested from the moment the blooms are cracking open until the seed pods have developed.

60 seeds approx