Nigella damascena, also known as Love-in-a-Mist in North America and Devil in the Bush in some regions, is native to southwestern Asia, north Africa, and parts of southern Europe. Although it was once a popular plant in cottage gardens during the Elizabethan era, it eventually fell out of favor. However, it regained popularity in the 1800s thanks to British horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll, after whom the “Miss Jekyll” seed mix is named in her honor. Today, it is a well-known plant and has been naturalized in northern Europe.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
It’s related to the spice Nigella sativa also known as black cumin.
There’s a legend that during the Third Crusade Emperor Fredrick I drowned in the Turkish Goksu River and Nigella damascena bloomed on the river bank.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Nigella damascena
- Annual that reseeds freely in most zones
- Full sun-part shade
- Stratification: Yes. At least 4 weeks of cold.
- Height up to 24 inches.
- Germination in 10-20 days at 65F
Direct sow outdoors on weed-free soil in the Fall or 4-10 weeks before your area’s last frost. Press seeds into soil but don’t cover them as they need light to germinate. If planting in Spring, germination can be improved by storing in the refrigerator for 2 or more weeks.
- Does not transplant well. Outdoor sowing advised
- Works well in containers but may hinder size
- Let seed pods dry on flower stalks to harvest seeds for later use
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