Grow a garden filled with Black Cumin, from freshly harvested Nigella sativa seeds. Black Cumin, also known as “Roman Coriander,” is an attractive flowering herb that dates back to Egyptian times. The flowers are attractive, displaying pale, blue-white petals, which surround a star shaped center. The plants themselves mature to a height of only 8 to 12 inches tall and can be established in pots and containers, as well as window boxes. The flavor of Black cumin is reminiscent of onions, black pepper and oregano. The seeds can be used in a number of culinary dishes, and is sought after for Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.
Black Cumin herbs are categorized as annual flowering herbs. Annuals will establish and grow quickly from freshly harvested seeds. The plants will then produce leaves, flowers and seeds, all within a single growing season. The seeds can be collected from seed pods. Often grown as an attractive flower, Black Cumin herbs are also used medicinally as well. These herbs have been known to treat headaches, skin issues and intestinal problems as well.
Quick Facts
- Type: Herb
- Season: Annual
- Heirloom: Yes
- Color: Light Blue
- Height: 8″ – 12″ Tall
- Width: 12″ Spread
- Harvest: 100 to 115 Days
- Uses: Culinary
- Environment: Full Sunlight
Sowing The Seed
Black Cumin seeds can be started indoors, or directly outdoors as well. If started indoors, sow the seeds in peat pots, 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. The seeds can be sown at a depth of 1/8″ under topsoil, and won’t require direct light to properly germinate. Transplant or direct sow in the garden, or large pots and containers, when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
Growing Conditions
Keep in mind that Black Cumin herbs prefer an area of full sunlight, and should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Temperatures should be kept at around 70F or higher. The soil will need to be fertile and well drained. To improve your drainage, we recommend adding a light compost to areas containing hard, compact soil. Water the seeds daily with a light mist setting to avoid disrupting the seeds, or washing them away.
Germination & Growth
Black Cumin seeds typically take anywhere between 7 to 14 days to successfully germinate. The plants can grow to a mature height of roughly 8 to 12 inches tall, and are popularly grown in pots and containers as well. They can be planted directly in the herb garden, spacing them 6 to 10 inches apart from one another. Seed pods will begin to form shortly after the flowers have bloomed.