How to Grow Nigella

Commonly known as 'Love in a Mist', Nigella are lovely flowering annuals for winter and spring gardens. Their common name may arise from their fern-like soft foliage that provides a delicate background for their unique and attractive flowers that come in calming whites, pinks and shades of blue.

Full sun to part shade

Regular watering

Well drained

Late summer to autumn

How to grow nigella in a garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that attracts full sun to part shade, with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Thinly spread the seed directly where they are to grow and lightly cover with Yates Seed Raising Mix. Firm down.

Step 3

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 4

Once the seedlings have grown at least 5 cm, place a light layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw around the base of the plant.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow nigella in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

Sow the seeds directly into the pot by pressing them lightly into the mix and water well.

Step 4

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Growing tips

Remove spent blooms to prolong the flowering period and encourage new buds to form.
You can create long lasting dried specimens from these flowers. To do this cut seed heads off the plant before they burst open.