
Details
Love-in-a-Mist is a charming, old-fashioned annual that blooms in spring and early summer. It is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. It has been popular in English cottage gardens since around 1570 and is a favorite for freshly cut or dried flowers. The plants have finely cut, bright green leaves that resemble dill leaves. The blue, purple and white flowers are followed by attractive, balloon-shaped “seedpods” (actually an inflated capsule composed of five fused true seedpods). The seedpods are often used in floral arrangements. The genus name Nigella comes from the Latin “niger” (which means black), and refers to the plant’s intense black seeds. The aromatic seeds have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes (particularly in Turkey, the Middle East and India).
Love-in-a-Mist is also known as Devil in a Bush.
Michigan Seeds and Plants grown on our farm, Renegade Acres, in Howell, MI!
Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.
Additional Info
Botanical Name | Nigella damascena |
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Life Cycle | Annual |
Min. Time to Germinate | 10 Days |
Max. Time to Germinate | 15 Days |
Depth to Sow Seeds | 1/16 in. |
When to Sow | Indoors 4-6 weeks before last spring frost, Outdoors after all danger of spring frost is past |
Growing Height | 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) |
Plant Spacing | 3-6 in. (7-15 cm) |
Hardiness | N/A |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade |
Danger | N/A |
Bloom Color | Blue-Violet, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Medium Blue, Purple, Violet/Lavender, White/Near White |
Bloom Time | Late Spring/Early Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Fall, Mid-Summer |
Foliage | Herbaceous |
Other Details | Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Suitable for growing in containers |
Soil pH Requirements | 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) |
Propagation Methods | From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
Seed Collecting | Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds, Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored |
Seeds Per Pack | 50 |