Nigella / Black cumin

Plant family

Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Seeding distance

25 cm

Row spacing

30 cm

Seeding depth

1 cm

Instructions

Description

True black cumin, black cumin, breadroot, catherine flower, Roman or black coriander is part of the Ranunculaceae family. It is not related to caraway or cumin. The annual, herbaceous spice and medicinal plant reaches heights of up to 50 cm. Its blue to white flowers appear in June to July. The seeds ripen in the flowers and these can be harvested in late summer. They have an aromatic, spicy flavor.

Growing tips

Black cumin is not good for mixed crops because it can inhibit the growth of other plants, especially legumes. In addition, it can be very proliferative. Germination can take up to 21 days. When the fruit capsules turn brownish, the drop-shaped, dull black, anise-scented seeds are ready for harvest. The remaining parts of the plant are slightly poisonous and are not consumed.