Nigella Seed ( Annual )

Love-in-a-mist is a popular cool weather annual that features solitary blue flowers to 1 1/2" wide atop stems clad with finely-cut, thread-like leaves. Each solitary flower appears to sit on a bed of lacy (and misty) foliage, hence the common name.
Plants typically grow to 1.5-2' tall. Plants tend to bloom in late spring, but significantly decline by mid summer as high temperatures become the norm.
Flowers give way to unusual, egg-shaped, horned seed capsules (to 1" diameter) that are covered with bristles. Stems with dried seed capsules make excellent additions to dried flower arrangements.

JB272 Delft Blue ( Nigella papillosa )

Delft Blue Nigella is a striking heirloom annual prized for its delicate, finely divided foliage and unique blue-and-white flowers that resemble hand-painted Dutch porcelain. A selection of Nigella papillosa, this elegant cottage garden favorite produces airy blooms in shades of soft sky blue, deep sapphire, and white, followed by highly ornamental seed pods that remain attractive long after flowering. Growing 18 to 24 inches tall, Delft Blue adds charm, texture, and old-fashioned beauty to borders, cutting gardens, and naturalized plantings.

The intricate flowers seem to float above the feathery foliage, creating a light and graceful appearance that blends beautifully with larkspur, bachelor's buttons, poppies, and other traditional garden favorites. Both the blooms and decorative seed capsules are excellent for fresh and dried floral arrangements.

Garden Uses

Delft Blue Nigella is ideal for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, mixed borders, wildflower plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its airy growth habit allows it to weave naturally among other flowers without overpowering neighboring plants. The ornamental seed pods are especially valued by floral designers and crafters for dried arrangements. It also performs well in large containers and can be sown directly into open spaces throughout the garden for a naturalized effect.

Growing Information

Nigella grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds should be sown directly outdoors where the plants are to grow, as they dislike transplanting. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep moist until germination, which usually occurs within 10 to 21 days. Plants bloom approximately 10 to 12 weeks after sowing and often self-seed gently in favorable conditions, returning year after year. Deadheading can extend flowering, though many gardeners leave the decorative seed pods for visual interest.

Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Nigella papillosa
Common Name: Delft Blue Nigella
Plant Type: Annual
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Spread: 10 to 12 inches
Bloom Color: Blue, white, and bi-colored shades
Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Water Requirements: Moderate
Soil Type: Well-drained soil
USDA Zones: Grown as an annual in all zones
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Good for Cut Flowers: Excellent

SF357 Albion Black Pod ( Nigella damascena )

Albion Black Pod Nigella is a distinctive and highly decorative annual grown for its charming white flowers, fine fern-like foliage, and unusual dark seed pods. A selection of Nigella damascena, this variety brings an elegant cottage garden look to borders and cutting gardens while offering exceptional value for fresh and dried floral arrangements. The contrast of clean white blossoms against deep plum-black seed capsules makes Albion Black Pod especially useful for bouquets, where it adds texture, structure, and old-fashioned charm.

The plants are easy to grow, quick to bloom, and naturally graceful in the garden. Their airy foliage creates the classic “love-in-a-mist” effect, with flowers appearing to float among soft, threadlike leaves. After flowering, the ornamental pods develop into rounded, ribbed capsules that dry beautifully and remain attractive long after the petals have faded.

Garden Uses

Albion Black Pod Nigella is excellent for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, pollinator borders, wildflower-style plantings, and informal annual beds. It blends beautifully with larkspur, bachelor’s buttons, poppies, cosmos, snapdragons, and other old-fashioned flowers. The plants are especially valuable for floral work, as both the white blooms and dark seed pods can be used in fresh bouquets. The dried pods are long-lasting and add unique color and form to everlasting arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects.

Growing Information

Sow seeds directly outdoors where plants are to grow, as Nigella does not like root disturbance and is best not transplanted. Plant in full sun to light afternoon shade and well-drained soil. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Seeds usually germinate in 10 to 21 days. Thin seedlings to allow good air circulation and stronger flowering stems. Plants typically bloom in late spring to early summer, with repeat sowings every few weeks helping to extend the bloom and pod harvest season.

Nigella is generally low maintenance once established. It prefers moderate moisture but does not like soggy soil. Deadheading will prolong bloom, while allowing flowers to mature will produce the highly ornamental black pods that make this variety so desirable.

Quick Facts

Botanical Name: Nigella damascena
Common Name: Albion Black Pod Nigella, Love-in-a-Mist
Plant Type: Annual
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Spread: 8 to 12 inches
Bloom Color: White
Seed Pod Color: Dark plum to black
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Sun Requirements: Full sun to light shade
Soil Type: Well-drained garden soil
Water Needs: Moderate
Best Use: Cut flowers, dried pods, cottage gardens, borders
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Good for Containers: Yes, in larger mixed containers

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.