Description
Black Cumin Seeds – Nigella sativa
Grow your own Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) with our quality Black Cumin Seeds. Also known as Black Seed or Nigella, this attractive annual flowering herb belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae.
Black Cumin is native to parts of South and Southwest Asia and has been cultivated for generations. The plant has finely divided, delicate-looking leaves and produces attractive flowers followed by distinctive inflated seed capsules.
The seeds are valued as a traditional spice and are widely used in cooking. They have a distinctive aromatic flavour and can be used whole or ground in a variety of dishes.
Growing Black Cumin from Seed
Black Cumin is relatively easy to grow from seed. Choose a sunny position with average, well-drained soil. The plant appreciates plenty of sunlight and does not require particularly rich growing conditions.
Sow the seeds in a suitable seed-raising mix and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the growing medium evenly moist while the seeds germinate.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them carefully into individual pots or directly into the garden. You can also sow the seeds directly outdoors once the soil has warmed and the risk of frost has passed.
Allow enough space between plants for them to develop. Black Cumin usually grows to around 20-30 cm in height, making it suitable for smaller gardens, herb beds and containers.
Caring for Black Cumin
Black Cumin is an annual plant and generally requires little maintenance once established. Water young plants regularly while they develop, particularly during dry weather.
Avoid consistently wet soil and choose a position with good drainage. A sunny location will encourage healthy growth and flowering.
As the plant matures, distinctive seed capsules develop after flowering. Allow the capsules to mature fully if you are growing Black Cumin to collect the seeds.
Black Cumin Seeds
The seeds develop inside relatively large, inflated seed capsules. Once the capsules have dried, they can be collected and the mature seeds removed.
Black Cumin Seeds have a long history of culinary and traditional use. They are commonly used as a spice and have a distinctive warm, slightly peppery flavour.
The seeds can be used whole or ground and are traditionally included in a variety of dishes and spice blends. Growing your own plants provides an opportunity to harvest fresh seeds at the end of the growing season.
Black Cumin Plant Information
Botanical name: Nigella sativa
Common names: Black Cumin, Black Seed, Nigella
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant type: Annual herb
Height: Approximately 20-30 cm
Leaves: Finely divided
Seed capsules: Large and inflated
Growing conditions: Full sun, average well-drained soil
Form: Seeds
