Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ranunculaceae

Genus:

Nigella

Species:

Nigella sativa

USDA Symbol:

NISA2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

60 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, blue, pale blue

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

fertile, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Mediterranean and South Asian regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

10–21 days

Notes:

Direct sow in early spring or fall; prefers cool temperatures for germination. Seeds are light-sensitive and should be lightly covered.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI