Nigella Flowers

Botanical Name: Nigella
Common Names: Black Seed, Black Cumin, Love-in-the-Mist
Cultivation: Full sun in average soil with excellent drainage. Fertilize monthly.
Colors: Green seed pods with burgundy stripes
Uses: A wonderful dried flower texture to add to any dried flower arrangement
Regions: India, Egypt, Greece, Turkey

Drying Nigella
Nigella can be easily dried. Nigella is cut when pods reach maximum size and color. Nigella pods range from deep green to deep burgundy, with stripes in between. The first few pods are picked with as long a stem a possible, one at a time. The plants flowers profusely and so when most of the flowers become seed pods, pull the entire plant and and cut the stems. Then wrap a rubber band around a small bundle of stems and then hang them upside down for drying in a dark, airy place until dry.

Uses of Nigella
Love in the mist are used exclusively for dried arrangements. These flowers are the best to add texture to any dried flower arrangement. The delicate, purple striped pods are used in several arrangements for an airy effect. Dry roasted nigella seeds flavor curries, vegetables and pulses. They are also used to repel insects from clothes and are given to treat intestinal worms and nerve defects to reduce flatulence, and induce sweating. Dried pods are sniffed to restore a lost sense of smell.