Also known as Love-in-a-Mist · 51 saves
Nigella
Nigella, the genus most gardeners know as love-in-a-mist. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Nigella varieties
2 species of Nigella
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Nigella in Sow
Save the Nigella you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Nigella
Whats common across all Nigella varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Nigella year
- PlantMarch, April, October and November75% of varieties
Sow seeds directly in early spring or late fall; does not transplant well.
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season
- Direct-sow seeds where they are to grow permanently.
- Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from disturbing roots during flowering
- Don’t plant in heavy, poorly-draining clay soil
- Do not attempt to transplant seedlings started indoors.
What goes wrong with Nigella
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Introduce beneficial insects or use horticultural oil |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Ensure good air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and black, mushy roots in wet soil. | Plant in highly drained soil and strictly avoid overwatering. |
Making more Nigella
Seed
- Sow seeds directly into prepared garden beds in spring or fall.
- Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, as they require darkness to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
- Thin seedlings to stand six to twelve inches apart once they reach two inches high.
seeds
- Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep in prepared soil (2 weeks)
- Keep soil moist until germination
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing after emergence
Nigella questions
How many types of Nigella are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Nigella varieties. The most popular — ranked by 51 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Nigella grow in?
Across its varieties, Nigella covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Nigella bloom?
Most Nigella varieties bloom in early summer, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Nigella should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.