How to grow Black Caraway Seeds
Black Caraway, also known as Nigella sativa, is an easy-to-grow annual herb valued for its aromatic black seeds and delicate flowers.
When to Sow Nigella Seeds
Sow seeds in spring through summer and again in autumn. For continuous seed production, sow once a month from just before the last frost until late summer.
Germination
Seeds germinate in 10–14 days once temperatures reach around 15°C. Keep the compost slightly moist but never waterlogged.
Growing Conditions
Nigella can be sown indoors early in the year for transplanting later or directly where it is to grow from spring through autumn.
Ideally, Nigella should be grown in a sunny part of the garden with good drainage. It prefers soil enriched with manure or compost but will grow in most sites and soils, including light sandy soils.
Sowing Black Caraway Indoors
As a hardy annual, Nigella can be sown in autumn from August to September or in late winter from February to March for earlier flowering the following year.
Use small pots containing moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.
Overwinter plants in cool, light, frost-free conditions before planting them out about 20 cm apart the following spring.
Direct Sowing Outdoors
Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow thinly once temperatures reach around 15°C.
The seedlings will appear in rows 6–8 weeks after planting and are easy to distinguish from nearby weed seedlings. Thin the seedlings so plants are eventually spaced around 20 cm apart.
An autumn sowing can also be made in sheltered areas for earlier flowers the following year.
Cultivation
Feeding is rarely needed, but organic plant food such as comfrey or nettle tea can be applied as growth begins in spring.
If spring is dry, water the plants to encourage strong upright growth. Without enough water, plants may flop over.
At the end of the season, some plants can be left to self-seed naturally while others can be composted after harvesting the seeds.
Harvesting Nigella Sativa Seeds
Seeds can be harvested from late summer and stored for use throughout the year.
Harvest by placing the pods into a paper bag and allowing them to dry completely. Rub the bag gently to release the black seeds, then sieve out the seeds and ensure they are fully dry before storage.
Storing Nigella Seeds
Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Exposure to light and heat can reduce the fragrance and potency of the seeds over time.
Read the most frequently asked questions about Nigella Sativa seeds