Nigella 'Starry Night'

Starry Night (Nigella papillosa)

This celestial mix of African Bride and Midnight Nigella captures the mystery and elegance of a starlit sky. Blooms in luminous white with dark spidery centres, and rich velvety blue-purple tones dusted with lavender—each flower is wrapped in lacy green “mist.” As the blooms fade, they give way to striking balloon-like seed pods, equally beautiful in fresh or dried arrangements.

A wonderful addition to cottage gardens and cut flower borders, Starry Night is easy to grow and beloved by bees and other beneficial insects. Long-lasting in bloom, and ornamental even after flowering. Also known as Love-in-a-Mist, Devil in a Bush.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Barely Cover

GERMINATION: 10-14 days at 16-18°C

HEIGHT: 18" - 28""

MATURITY: 65 - 85 Days

PLANT SPACING: 9-12"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Direct Sow (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring once the soil reaches at least 16∘C (60∘F). For continuous blooms and ornamental seed pods, sow every 2–3 weeks, 3–4 times throughout the early season. In areas with mild winters, fall sowing is also possible. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Light aids germination, so cover seeds very lightly with soil and keep evenly moist until germination, which usually occurs in 7–14 days.

Transplanting (alternative): Transplanting is possible but not ideal, as Nigella has a delicate taproot and dislikes being disturbed. If starting indoors, sow into biodegradable pots 4–6 weeks before the last frost and transplant carefully to avoid root disruption.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary. Plants naturally branch and produce a succession of blooms followed by intricate, decorative seed pods.

Soil Preference and Watering: Nigella thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist during germination and establishment. Once mature, it is relatively drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for Nigella. It performs best in average to lean soil.

Harvesting: For fresh-cut flowers, harvest when the blooms are fully open. For the most popular use—ornamental seed pods—harvest them when the pods have fully inflated and turned a papery, light brown color. Deadheading can prolong flowering, but if left to mature, pods can be harvested or allowed to self-sow for future seasons.