Description
Nigella papillosa
While this plant looks quite fragile, it’s one of the hardiest early bloomers in the garden. Its brilliant ferny leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers are framed by a delicate halo of fringed foliage. When left on the plant, the flowers form dramatic black seed pods which add a unique textural element to any bouquet. This is a mix of my favorites including ‘Delft Blue,’ ‘Midnight’ and ‘African Bride’ which produce lavender dusted, royal blue and white blooms, all with spidery black centers.
Plant type: annual
Height: 18-28”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65-85 days
Plant spacing: 9-12”
Pinch: N/A
Approx seeds per packet: 100
How to grow:
Plants dislike being transplanted, so sow seeds directly in the garden in the fall or early spring.
Harvesting/vase life:
Harvest flowers when fully open. Vase life is generally 1 week, especially if you add preservative to the water. Use the pods fresh or dried in bouquets; dried ones last almost indefinitely. To dry, simply hang upside down in a warm, dry place out of bright light for 2 weeks.
