Love-in-a-Mist Seeds, Nigella damascena

Nigella, or Love-in-a-Mist, lends an old-fashioned and romantic air to any flower garden, pollinator plot, or cut flower arrangement. It’s a cool season flower, and will do poorly in hot or humid conditions. It is also loved for its striking seed pods, which are considered as decorative as the flowers themselves.

Nigella damascena also comes with a host of whimsical common names: Love-in-a-Mist, Love-in-a-snarl, Love-in-a-puzzle, Lady in the Bower, Ragged Lady, Devil-in-the-bush, Hair of Venus, and more.

This feathery annual plant grows anywhere from 14 to 24 inches high and about 12 inches wide. It features fern-like foliage of bright green, and resembles fennel with its lacy bracts.

The blooms are about 1.5 inches in diameter and usually present in blue. However, white, lavender, and pink are not uncommon.

The seedpod is up to 2 inches long and is green with purple stripes. This makes the seedpods popular for dried flower arrangements.

Nigella damascena is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwest Asia. It is commonly grown in temperate regions worldwide.

Benefits of Nigella

• Flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden
• Suitable for garden borders or hanging baskets
• Excellent dried flower
• Great filler for bouquets
• Self-sows prolifically once established

Tips for Growing Love-in-a-Mist

In southern gardens, plant Nigella damascena in late fall before any frost. Sow sparsely in the garden and cover very lightly or scratch into the soil gently and water. No cover is needed over the winter.

In more temperate climates, plant in a similar fashion in spring, once soil temperatures have reached 60°F. Plant in loose, well-draining soil containing plenty of organic matter. Nigella damascena appreciates a more acidic soil, as well.

For more information, please visit our comprehensive sowing and growing instructions for Love-in-a-Mist seeds.

Nigella Details

• Life span: Annual
• Color scheme: Lavender, blue, white, and pink
• Height: 18-24 inches
• Time to Germinate: 10-15 days
• Time to maturity: 12-14 weeks

Terms of Sale

Sold by weight — you will receive a minimum of 500 mg of seed, approximately 250 seeds, in a small envelope, as well as detailed instructions for planting and care.

Shipping Cost is Flat Rate and covers all seeds purchased in a single transaction from Southern Garden, with no additional charges no matter how many you order.