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Love-In-A-Mist

Nigella damascena
perennial0.6×0.2 mzone 2–11full sun

Profile

Family
Ranunculaceae
Habit
perennial
Height
0.6 m
Spread
0.2 m
Growth
very fast
Lifespan
1 year
First yield
after 1 year
Hardiness
zone 2–11
Shade tolerance
full sun
Soil
Sand, Silt, Loam
Soil moisture
very dry – moist
pH
5.3 – 8.6
scentednectar sourcepollen source

Growing

Nigella damascena prefers full sun and well-drained soil with a neutral pH. It tolerates poor, sandy, or loamy soils but does not like waterlogged conditions. Sow seeds directly in early spring or fall in mild climates; seedlings do not transplant well due to the taproot. Keep soil moist during germination and early growth, then water moderately. It is low maintenance and self-seeds readily for continuous blooms.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Frequently asked questions

Love-In-A-Mist: how big does it get?

Love-In-A-Mist (Nigella damascena) grows as a perennial and reaches roughly 0.6 m in height when mature, with a spread of about 0.2 m. Growth is very fast.

Love-In-A-Mist: what site does it need?

Love-In-A-Mist tolerates full sun. Suitable soils are Sand, Silt, Loam. Soil moisture should be in the range very dry – moist. The pH may lie between 5.3 and 8.6.

Love-In-A-Mist: is it hardy?

Love-In-A-Mist is listed as hardy in zone 2–11 and survives normal winters outdoors there.

Love-In-A-Mist: is it poisonous?

Love-In-A-Mist is classified as toxic. With wild plants, never rely on a database alone — only on a confident identification.

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