Damask Nigella: Sowing, Growing and Care

Botany

The nigella genus includes around twenty species of annual plants native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. The most well-known is Love-in-a-mist, Nigella damascena. It is found around the Mediterranean, in southern Europe and North Africa. It grows wild in France, along with a few other nigella species. It can be found in fields, wastelands, roadsides and rocky areas.

The name nigella comes from the Latin niger: black, referring to the colour of its seeds. In French, it is sometimes called Cheveux de Vénus (Venus’ Hair) due to its fine, feathery foliage divided into linear segments. In English, nigella is known as Love in a mist (referring to its misty foliage) or Devil in the bush.

Nigella belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. This is a large family comprising over 2,000 species of mainly herbaceous plants, often toxic. Hellebores, aconites, columbines, clematis, delphiniums and anemones belong to this family.

Love-in-a-mist is a small plant: it grows between 20 cm and 50 cm tall, sometimes up to 60 cm, with a spread of 20 to 25 cm. It grows taller when cultivated in organic-rich soil. It is best placed at the front of borders, in front of taller plants. It forms clumps that expand over the years, composed of upright stems that may be branched or simple.

Nigella damascena: botanical plate

Nigella flowers in summer, typically between June and July-August, sometimes until September. Flowering may be earlier or later depending on when you sowed the seeds. It doesn’t last very long… but is quickly followed by decorative seed pods!

Nigella bears flowers in soft, pastel shades. They are often light blue, but can also be white or pink, sometimes almost red, or mauve-purple. For example, the varieties ‘Persian Rose’ and ‘Mulberry Rose’ bear beautiful pink flowers. The oriental nigella, Nigella orientalis, stands out with its yellow flowers! There are also seed mixes that produce an assortment of flowers in various colours. It’s common for nigellas to offer beautiful shades, with colours varying in intensity from one flower to another. Similarly, the colour of a single flower may change slightly over time. For example, the flowers of the ‘Mulberry Rose’ variety start as soft pink when they open, then become more pronounced pink. In the ‘Dwarf Moody Blue’ variety, they are mauve-purple, evolving towards a blue hue. Sometimes the flowers offer a striking contrast between the sepals, often white or light blue, and the pistils/stamens, which can be very dark, black or burgundy.

Nigella has beautiful star-shaped flowers, usually solitary and borne at the stem tips. They measure between three and five centimetres in diameter. They consist of five to twenty-five petaloid sepals (shaped like petals), coloured. These surround five to ten petals, often smaller, which sometimes bear nectar consumed by insects. Nigella flowers are hermaphroditic: each has both male (stamens) and female (pistils) organs. Thus, at the centre of the flower, there are five to ten pistils gathered and upright, surrounded by numerous stamens. The styles, long and thin, resembling the leaf segments, are often curved towards the stamens to facilitate fertilisation. The pistils and stamens are usually very decorative, adding detail and refinement to the flower, and sometimes offering a beautiful contrast with the lighter sepals. Directly beneath the coloured sepals, nigella bears five bracts divided into fine strips, resembling the rest of the plant’s leaves. They are inserted at the same level. The flower appears nestled in a silky setting of very fine leaves. Some nigellas stand out with very different flowers, like the Nigella ‘Blue Stars’, which bears small five-petalled blue-violet flowers with numerous stamens at the centre. They have a much simpler appearance than other nigellas!

Don’t hesitate to use nigella flowers in bouquets! They last quite well in vases.

A nigella flower bud opening (photo JLPC) / a Love-in-a-mist flower / detail of stamens and pistils

Nigella leaves are divided into extremely fine segments. They are laciniate, making them very decorative. They have a misty, light, feathery appearance. Their fineness gives the plant its name Venus’ Hair. Nigella leaves are alternate, placed one after another on the stem. They measure between 8 and 15 centimetres long and are light green in colour. Nigella foliage is quite distinctive, making the plant easily recognisable even at the seedling stage.

The seed pods of Love-in-a-mist are very decorative. They are large, globular capsules that become brown when mature. They are surrounded by dried, very fine bracts all around, and also bear filiform, upright styles at their top. The capsules are divided into different chambers containing the seeds. They open when ripe, releasing numerous small black seeds. These have three sides and are wrinkled with striations. Although an annual, nigella self-seeds readily, allowing it to persist in the garden. You can cut stems bearing seed pods and use them in dried flower arrangements. They are very decorative and original! However, leave some pods in place to allow nigella to self-seed!

A nigella seed pod / The fruits and seeds of Nigella damascena (photo Roger Culos – Museum de Toulouse)

Botanical species

• Nigella damascena

This is the true Love-in-a-mist, most commonly grown for its ornamental value. It has given rise to many varieties!

• Nigella orientalis

Oriental nigella bears yellow flowers with petals curved downwards. It is appreciated for its original and bright flowering! The most cultivated variety is ‘Transformer’.

• Nigella hispanica

Taller than Love-in-a-mist, it can reach 60-70 cm in height. It bears deep blue flowers with reddish stamens.

• Nigella sativa

This is the nigella cultivated for its seeds, used as a spice called black cumin. Its flowers are often light blue or white.

The main varieties of nigella

The Most Popular Varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Other Varieties to Discover

 

Love-in-a-mist African Bride Seeds - Nigella papillosa

This nigella boasts stunning pure white flowers with striking black upright stamens at the centre. The contrast is magnificent!

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Love-in-a-mist Delft Blue Seeds - Nigella papillosa

This variety offers uniquely coloured flowers – white splashed with blue-grey, sometimes tinged with purple. The petals appear as if spattered with blue! An unusual bloom.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Love-in-a-mist Miss Jekyll Blue Seeds - Nigella damascena

This nigella features delicate sky-blue flowers, among the most beautiful blue-flowering varieties. It has been awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

 

 

Love-in-a-mist Miss Jekyll Alba Seeds - Nigella damascena

This variety produces splendid pure white flowers with an exceptionally refined and elegant appearance.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Love-in-a-mist Persian Rose Seeds - Nigella damascena

A pink-flowering nigella! The perfect choice for a romantic flowerbed. Pair it with roses, gypsophila, astrantias...

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Nigella damascena Moody Blues - seeds

This nigella displays blooms in varying shades of blue, from sky blue (sometimes very pale) to deep blue... Gorgeous tones!

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

 

 

Nigella garidella Blue Stars - Love-in-a-mist Seeds

A truly unique nigella! In fact, its flowers don’t resemble those of other nigellas. It bears small, star-shaped, simple blooms in a light blue-mauve hue, with five petals surrounding a cluster of stamens. The foliage is very fine and linear.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 30 cm

See the product sheet

Nigella Midnight Blue - seeds

This nigella produces deep blue flowers with black stamens and pistils at the centre... Their dark hue creates a stunning contrast, further intensifying the bloom’s vibrancy!

• Flowering time June to October
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Sowing

Where to Sow Love-in-a-Mist?

Sow Love-in-a-Mist directly in the ground, in full sun or lightly shaded areas. In deep shade, its flowering may be less abundant. Love-in-a-Mist thrives in rich soils but can also adapt to poor soils. It is a relatively undemanding plant that can grow in any soil type. It will grow taller in organically rich soils, though this may encourage more foliage at the expense of flowering. Love-in-a-Mist prefers neutral pH soils.

Love-in-a-Mist appreciates well-draining substrates where water infiltrates easily. It grows very well in sandy soils. If your garden soil is heavy, compact, and retains water, we recommend adding drainage materials such as pumice, gravel, or coarse sand. Love-in-a-Mist is an easy-going plant that requires little: it’s perfect for filling areas of the garden where the soil is poor, dry, or rocky. You can sow it on slopes or in hard-to-plant corners of the garden.

Love-in-a-Mist is a fairly low-growing plant: place it preferably at the front of flower beds, just in front of taller plants. It can also help fill gaps or empty spaces in borders. Don’t hesitate to sow it alongside other annuals (poppies, cosmos, etc.).

You can also grow it in pots or containers, placing them on a balcony or windowsill.

→ Learn more in our tutorial: How to Sow Love-in-a-Mist Seeds?

When to Sow?

Love-in-a-Mist is often sown in spring, from March through May. But it can also be sown in autumn, especially if you live in a region with mild winters; in this case, it will flower earlier. Staggering sowings is ideal to extend the flowering period!

How to Sow Love-in-a-Mist?

Love-in-a-Mist is very easy to sow! It’s best sown directly in its final position, as its roots are fragile and dislike disturbance.

In the ground:

1. Prepare the soil by breaking up clumps and removing large stones, roots, and weeds to create a fine, even surface. Optionally, add well-rotted compost. Level the ground so the sowing area is flat.
2. Sow by scattering the seeds on the soil surface. We recommend broadcasting for a natural effect. A seed dispenser can also be used.
3. Cover with a thin layer of compost and lightly firm down.
4. Water gently with a fine spray.

Keep the soil moist until germination, which takes one to two weeks. Thin out the seedlings, leaving those remaining spaced about 20 cm apart.

In pots:

If growing in containers, sow Love-in-a-Mist in pots or planters. Place a drainage layer (gravel, broken pottery, or clay pebbles) at the bottom to allow water to drain. Then fill with a mix of compost and coarse sand, scatter the seeds on the surface, and water lightly.

Maintenance

Damascus nigella requires very little maintenance, apart from occasional watering during heatwaves and some weeding. Those grown in pots will need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, as the growing medium dries out faster.

We recommend leaving the faded flowers on the plant rather than pruning them, to enjoy the decorative seed pods that will form and allow the plant to produce seeds. You can either let it self-seed naturally or collect the seeds for sowing or sharing! Although nigella tends to self-seed freely, it doesn’t become invasive—it usually fills gaps in flower beds.

You can weed around nigella clumps by removing any stray weeds that may appear. Weed especially when the seed pods are present, so the seeds can settle on bare soil and self-sow easily. Conversely, young nigella seedlings are easy to spot and remove if they spread to unwanted areas.

Don’t hesitate to harvest nigella flowers for bouquets! Cutting them may slightly prolong flowering, though it will prevent you from enjoying the decorative seed pods. Try leaving a few flowers in place—both for self-seeding and to have some pods. These can also be used in dried arrangements! Cut the stems while still fresh, bundle them together, and hang them upside down to dry.

Damascus nigella is not prone to diseases. No treatments are needed! The only potential issue may come from slugs and snails, which sometimes nibble on young shoots.

Propagation

Nigella propagates very easily from seed, which you can sow directly in the ground or in pots. When ripe, the seed pods turn brown and begin to open slightly. This is the time to harvest them to collect the seeds! You can also allow nigella to self-seed, and potentially transplant the volunteer seedlings in the garden while they’re still very young. Similarly, if you need to transplant nigella, do so when the seedlings are still small, as they don’t tolerate being moved well.

You can store the seeds for later sowing. Place them in a paper bag or envelope, stored in a cool, dry and dark place. Remember to label them (plant name and harvest date). In theory, nigella seeds remain viable for two years, but it’s preferable to sow them within the year.

Over the years, the flowers of horticultural varieties may change colour slightly. It can be interesting to purchase new seeds to return to the original variety.

Association

Love-in-a-mist pairs perfectly with other annuals to create a wild, natural-looking cottage garden border. For example, you could combine it with cosmos, particularly white-flowered varieties like ‘Purity’. Blue and white are colours that complement each other beautifully. It also works wonderfully with cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), the intense red blooms of poppies, or the stunning flowers of Oriental poppies. Scatter these flowers among the fine foliage of ornamental grasses (Pennisetum, Stipa pennata…), and enjoy the delicate seed heads of Briza media. Plant love-in-a-mist alongside charming, airy wildflowers—it’s often included in wildflower meadow mixes! It pairs well with knapweeds, marigolds, sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), wild chicory (Cichorium intybus), and especially with flax, Linum perenne… You’ll create the illusion of a true flower field!

Love-in-a-mist pairs beautifully with the delicate seed heads of Briza media (photo Hajotthu), cornflowers (photo Tauri Pärna), and poppies

Love-in-a-mist also works beautifully at the front of a perennial border. With its delicate, refined flowers, it complements shrub roses perfectly—plant it right in front of them. Don’t hesitate to pair it with marigolds, California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), or Lychnis coronaria. It’s ideal for filling gaps in borders where other plants haven’t spread. Their elegance and natural charm make love-in-a-mist a lovely companion for lilies (Lilium candidum, Lilium martagon, Asiatic lilies…). With combinations like love-in-a-mist, roses, and lilies, you can easily create stunning bouquets to decorate your home!

Experiment with different love-in-a-mist varieties to play with colours! White-flowered types soften the brighter blooms of other plants, adding elegance. When paired with roses, masterworts, and baby’s breath, they create a wonderfully romantic garden! Plant blue-flowered love-in-a-mist with other blooms in similar tones—blue, mauve, and white. For a bold, dramatic border, combine them with deep-coloured plants: purple, black, brown, or midnight blue…

Since love-in-a-mist thrives in poor, dry, stony soil, it’s ideal for rockeries alongside other sun-loving, well-drained plants like ornamental grasses, yarrow, or lavender…

A romantic border idea: Rose ‘Darcey Bussell’ and Astilbe japonica ‘Peach Blossom’ (photo Nicola Stocken – GAP Photos) / Love-in-a-mist ‘Mulberry Rose’ / Astrantia major ‘Ruby Star’

Did you know?

• A spice and a medicinal plant

The seeds of black cumin, Nigella sativa, are often used as a spice, with a fragrance reminiscent of both strawberries and pepper. Already used in ancient Egypt, they are known as black cumin and are sometimes included in the spice blend ras el hanout. They can be sprinkled on salads or in rice and vegetable dishes… However, they should be consumed in moderation, in small quantities. Similarly, avoid consuming the seeds of love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena); they are not edible and may even be toxic. Black seed oil is also produced, valued particularly for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used externally for skin and hair care, as well as internally, where it can be added to salads or various dishes.