Scientific Name
Nigella damascena 'Persian Jewels'
Common Name(s)
Love-in-a-mist
Synonym(s)
Nigella 'Persian Jewels'
Scientific Classification
Family: Ranunculaceae
Subfamily: Ranunculoideae
Tribe: Nigelleae
Genus: Nigella
Flower
Color: Red, rose pink, blue, deep violet-blue, and white
Bloom Time: Early summer
Description
Nigella damascena 'Persian Jewels' is a charming hardy self-sowing annual that grows up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall. It bears delicate old-fashioned flowers of red, pink, rose, blue, deep violet-blue, and white, each backed by a wispy bright green ruff. It is a very popular cut flower and can be dried for winter decoration.
Hardiness
It is grown as an annual plant, so it has no USDA hardiness zone.
How to Grow and Care
Plant Nigella sativa seeds when no risk of frost exists. Sprouts appear in one to two weeks and flowers about two to three months later.
Test the soil pH with a home kit two to three months before the desired planting date to verify the pH is slightly acidic with a value of 6.0 to 7.0. Work ground rock sulfur into the soil to lower the pH if needed. Follow the package application rate based on the current pH.
Let the soil rest for two to three months to give the amendment time to change the pH. Work 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of organic compost into the planting area to a depth of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm). Compost increases the nutrient value of the soil and is a natural fertilizer.
Sprinkle the Nigella sativa seeds lightly over the planting area. Next, sprinkle about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (8 to 13 mm) of soil over the seeds. Pat the soil gently to hold the seeds in place.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Nigella sativa.
Origin
This plant is a popular cultivar of Nigella damascena.
Links
- Back to genus Nigella
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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