Nigella Seeds - Delft Blue

(Nigella papillosa) Annual. 70 days to maturity.  

Delft Blue Nigella is named for the iconic Dutch pottery. Soft grayish-white petals are painted with shades of blue. A wonderful fairy–like addition to the garden, these nigella plants are a prime ornamental, even at season’s end; seed pods are gorgeous, long-lasting and ideal for dried arrangements.

------------------------------------

Growth Habit: Upright branching growth to 3 feet, lacy foliage with delicate five petaled flowers. Self-seeding. 

Sun Requirements: Sun

Soil Preference: Average, well-drained soil

When to Plant: Direct seed outdoors in early Spring or late Fall. 

How to Plant:  Sow seeds on soil surface, and cover lightly with soil as seeds need light to germinate. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days. Thin young plants 1 foot apart. 

When/ How to Harvest: Harvest flowers when buds are fully coloured or pods have begun to develop. Harvest seed heads when pods are firm to touch. 

Uses: Flowers and seed pods are both lovely in fresh or dried arrangements. 

--------------------------------