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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Black cumin: Nigella sativa

Black cumin: Nigella sativa

Other common names: Roman coriander

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Black cumin: Nigella sativa

Each spring, black cumin produces beautiful, solitary, blue flowers that are held above fine foliage, followed by ornate seed pods filled with useful black seeds. This self-sowing annual is a very versatile herb.

Profile

Plant typeannual,herb
Hardiness zones0 to 0
Lightfull-sun
Height1 ft. to 2 ft.6 in.
Habiterect
Bloom timespring
Flower colorblue
Bloom size1.5 in. to 1.5 in.
Foliage colorlight-green

did you know?

True cumin can be difficult to cultivate, making black cumin a useful and attractive substitute. In its native southwestern Asia, the seeds are used to flavor breads and curries.

general maintenance:

Allow seed pods to develop for self-sowing.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants, or broadcast seed in fall or early spring. Space plants at a distance equal to plants' mature spread. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil uniformly moist to moderately dry. Supplementary fertilizer is not required.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Attractive Fruit
  • Disease Resistant

garden uses:

  • Flowerbed borders
  • Naturalizing
  • Rock Garden

other uses:

  • Culinary/Edible
  • Everlasting (>)

combine with:

beebalm feverfew foxglove sage and yarrow for a flowering herb or border garden.

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