Nigella Black Caraway Seeds

A charming and easy to grow annual with finely divided feathery foliage and ornate flowers in shades of blue to white.

 

Plants produce distinctive horned seed pods that dry on the stem and yield the pungent black seeds commonly used as a spice in breads pickles and Middle Eastern and South Asian cooking.

 

Seed Qty Approx 700

 

Sow Sow March to May or August to October directly where they are to flower.

Germination 14 to 21 days when kept in steady warm seedbed conditions.

Soil and Position Prefers free draining soil and suits loam or chalk soils that are alkaline or neutral; grows well in full sun to partial shade.

Height Approx 30 cm making it ideal for the front of borders rockeries and containers.

Flowering Late spring through summer with attractive flowers followed by decorative seed pods that can be harvested for culinary use.

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Sow thinly into well raked prepared moist soil at about 0.5 cm depth in March to May or August to October where they are to grow. Keep the seedbed evenly moist and thin seedlings to about 15 to 30 cm apart depending on site and desired density.

 

Grow and Maintenance

 

Grow in a sunny to partly shaded site in free draining soil. Water until established then water moderately, avoid waterlogging. Support airy branching if required in exposed sites. Allow seed pods to ripen on the plant then gather when brown by shaking or cutting heads into a container for drying and storage.

 

Uses and Benefits

 

The dried black seeds are a popular spice with a complex flavour described as a mix of onion black pepper and oregano and are used in breads curries and pickles. Fresh foliage can be used sparingly as a garnish and the plants attract pollinators while providing ornamental interest with their unusual seed pods.