Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) Seeds
Nigella is a self-sowing annual that blooms in June and July. It's very easy to grow by direct sowing. Some species have edible seeds.
Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll Mix' is an heirloom flower that has been grown in gardens since the 1600's. It blooms in shades of pink, blue and white.
Nigella damascena makes a nice bulb cover or filler in the garden. It's also wonderful for cutting. The long-lasting blooms gradually deepen in color before the petals finally drop off cleanly. They are followed by decorative seed pods.
Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll Blue' makes a terrific filler in the garden, and it reseeds prolifically. It's a lovely companion plant for Asiatic lilies and roses .
The pure blue color goes with everything, and the ornamental seed pods can be used in dried flower arrangements. The fragrant, black seeds are edible. I think they smell like spicy grapes. Also known as Love-in-a-Mist.
Nigella hispanica 'Curiosity' has finely cut, blue-green foliage topped with violet-blue flowers with maroon centers. These are followed by ornamental seed pods that are great for dried flower arrangements. It's a terrific cut flower .
Nigella hispanica blooms a little later than Nigella damascena. Also known as Spanish Love-in-a-Mist and Nigella papillosa. Self sows .
Nigella sativa has pale blue flowers followed by pods full of edible seeds. Modern research has confirmed their health benefits.
In India, the seeds of Nigella sativa are used as an ingredient in dahl. In Russia, they are added to rye bread. The flavor is similar to nutmeg or fennel. The seeds can also be ground and used as a pepper substitute. Deer resistant .