Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) is an eye-catching annual flower known for its airy, thread-like foliage and star-shaped white blooms. This elegant garden annual creates soft texture in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator landscapes. After flowering, it forms unique ornamental seed pods that add interest to dried arrangements and end-of-season displays. Easy to grow and quick to bloom, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.

Features

• Star-shaped white flowers with fine lacy foliage
• Unique ornamental seed pods for garden interest
• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects
• Blooms quickly from direct sowing in spring
• Excellent for borders, cottage gardens, and cut-flower use
• Non-GMO Nigella sativa heirloom variety

Specifications

• Common Name: Black Cumin, Black Fennel Flower
• Scientific Name: Nigella sativa
• Plant Type: Annual flowering herb
• USDA Zones: 3–11 (grown as annual)
• Flower Color: White
• Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
• Height: 8–20 inches
• Spread: 6–12 inches
• Growth Habit: Upright with fine lacy foliage
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Well-drained average soil
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Maintenance Level: Very low
• Plant Spacing: 6–10 inches
• Seed Viability: 2–3 years stored cool & dry

Planting Guide

• Direct sow outdoors in early spring or fall (preferred).
• Sow seeds on the surface and lightly cover (approx. 1/8 inch).
• Keep lightly moist until germination (7–14 days).
• Thin seedlings to 6–10 inches apart.
• Choose full sun for compact growth and heavy blooming.
• Avoid rich, soggy soil; moderate water is best.
• Allow some pods to dry on the plant for reseeding or ornamental use.