Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-Mist)

Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-Mist) is a popular, upright, bushy annual boasting pale blue flowers, 1. in. across (4 cm), from early to late summer. The pretty blossoms are borne atop stems clad with finely-cut, feathery foliage that forms a mist around them. They are followed by decorative, balloon-shaped seed capsules that are terrific for dried flower arrangements. A cool weather annual, Love-in-a-Mist is easy to grow, low care, and trouble-free. Thanks to its handsome foliage and interesting seedpods, it looks good in the garden, even when the plant is not in bloom. A charming addition to mixed beds and borders, cottage gardens, or containers.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). This plant will readily self-sow in the garden.
• Performs best in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide consistent moisture. Love-in-a-Mist does not perform well in hot weather.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Deadheading spent flowers will promote more blooms but will also eliminate the attractive seed pods.
• Propagate by seed sown in situ in mid-spring or autumn. Autumn-sown plants may need the winter protection of a cold frame or cloche.
• Love-in-a-Mist has a short bloom period (only a month or two). Make successive plantings every 3 weeks for continuous bloom all summer. The plants should begin blooming about three months after planting.
• Native to Northern Africa and Southern Europe.