(Nigella hispanica) Exotica is our favorite of the Nigella (Love In a Mist) family. The beautiful purple passionflower-like blooms make an outstanding and long-lasting cut flower filler. Very delicate and abundant sprays with flowers that contrast from deep purple flower petals to dark purple centers to magenta stamens. Once the flowers are spent, the seed pods swell up into unusual and ornamental balloons. 18-24” tall. Gorgeous!
75-85 days. TR

Packet: 100 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out after last frost.

Note: Be gentle when transplanting.

PLANTING DEPTH:

1/8" Light aids germination

SPACING:

8-12"

EMERGENCE:

10-14 days @ soil temp 60-75F.

LIGHT:

Full sun to part shade

FERTILITY:

Average. Prefers well-drained, and evenly moist soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Be gentle when transplanting!

Many, many stems one each plant.

Harvest flower when mostly open and expect a vase life of one week.

Wait for the seed pod to develop and add to bouquets.

Nigella, 'Exotica'