How tall does Nigella damascena get?

It typically grows to be about 1 to 2 feet tall.

Does Nigella damascena reseed itself?

Yes, it readily self-seeds, which is how it often naturalizes in gardens.

What kind of soil does it prefer?

It prefers well-drained soil and doesn't like to be transplanted once established.

When should I plant Nigella damascena seeds?

Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or in the fall in milder climates.

Plant guide

Love-in-a-mist.

Nigella damascena

Pronounced NIG-ell-uh dam-uh-SKAY-nuh

Also known as Damascus hellebore, Devil In The Bush, Jack-in-the-green, Love In A Mist, Love-in-a-mist

Love-in-a-mist is a charming annual wildflower known for its delicate, lacy foliage and ethereal blue flowers. It's a favorite for cottage gardens and cutting gardens, adding a touch of whimsical beauty. The plant also produces attractive, inflated seed pods that are great for dried arrangements.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 2 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, as they dislike transplanting. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms, but allow some to go to seed if you want it to self-sow for next year. Watch for aphids, though they are usually not a major problem.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering.
Feeding: Fertilize sparingly once in spring with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming.
Repotting: As an annual, it is not typically repotted; sow seeds directly.
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 to 7.0)
Temperature: 10 to 27°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Annual
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Safety

People: Ingestion of seeds in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset.
Pets: May cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
Children: Seeds are small and could be a choking hazard for young children.
Contact allergens: No significant contact allergens are noted.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: Seeds are edible when cooked, but raw seeds can cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Finely dissected, feathery leaves
Star-shaped blue flowers
Surrounded by bracts
Inflated, papery seed pods
Annual wildflower

Height: 0.3 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.15 to 0.3m
Leaves: Green, evergreen
Flowers: Blue, White, Pink, Purple, 2.5 to 5cm

Common problems

Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, often found on new growth and flower buds.
Powdery Mildew — A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems, favored by humid conditions.
Root Rot — Caused by overwatering and poor drainage, leading to yellowing leaves and eventual plant death.

Growing it

Propagation: Seed
When to plant: Spring
Overwintering: As an annual, Nigella damascena does not overwinter. It completes its life cycle in one growing season. Seeds sown in fall in milder climates will germinate in spring.
In containers: While it can be grown in containers, it prefers to be sown directly into the ground due to its dislike of transplanting.

Direct Sowing

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Sow seeds directly into the garden in early spring, or in fall for earlier blooms in mild climates.
Lightly cover seeds with about 1/8 inch of soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs.
Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.

Plant Nigella damascena directly into the garden where it will grow, as it dislikes being moved.

Grows well with

Poppies — Poppies share similar growing conditions and bloom at a similar time, creating a beautiful color contrast.
Cornflowers — Cornflowers complement the delicate appearance of Nigella damascena and thrive in similar sunny, well-drained spots.
Marigolds — Marigolds can help deter some common garden pests, and their bright colors look lovely alongside Nigella.

Keep away from

Overwatering — This plant dislikes consistently wet feet and is prone to root rot if overwatered.
Transplanting — Nigella damascena develops a taproot and does not transplant well once it has established.

Similar species

Nigella sativa — This species is closely related and also has ornamental value, though it is primarily known as the 'black cumin' spice.
Nigella arvensis — A smaller, wild relative that also features delicate blue flowers and feathery foliage.

Science

Family: Ranunculaceae
Genus: Nigella
Order: Ranunculales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil and can naturalize in meadows and disturbed areas.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, pollen source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: Ornamental, Cut flower, Dried arrangements, Culinary (seeds)

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 8/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How tall does Nigella damascena get?: It typically grows to be about 1 to 2 feet tall.
Does Nigella damascena reseed itself?: Yes, it readily self-seeds, which is how it often naturalizes in gardens.
What kind of soil does it prefer?: It prefers well-drained soil and doesn't like to be transplanted once established.
When should I plant Nigella damascena seeds?: Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring or in the fall in milder climates.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Nigella' comes from the Latin word 'niger', meaning black, referring to the dark color of its seeds. The specific epithet 'damascena' refers to Damascus, a city in Syria, suggesting its origin or early cultivation there.

Good to know

Also known as 'Love-in-a-Mist' due to its delicate, feathery foliage.
The common name 'Nigella' comes from the Latin word 'niger', meaning black, referring to its dark seeds.
It has a long history of cultivation, dating back to ancient Egypt.
The flowers can be white, pink, blue, or purple.

Is your love-in-a-mist looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.