Nigella / Black cumin

Plant family

Hahnenfußgewächse (Ranunculaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Light germinator

Plant 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 well suited for mixed crops, as it can inhibit the growth of other plants, especially legumes. It can also proliferate. Germination can take up to 21 days. When the fruit capsules turn brownish, the drop-shaped, matt black and aniseed-scented seeds are ready for harvesting. The remaining parts of the plant are slightly poisonous and are not eaten.