Love-in-a-mist ‘Albion Black Pod’ (Nigella damascena) 0,5g

Love-in-a-mist ‘Albion Black Pod’ (Nigella damascena) – although this plant appears delicate, it is one of the hardiest early-blooming plants in the garden. Finely textured foliage and lacy, star-shaped flowers are framed by a delicate halo. White, fully double flowers feature subtle green tones with a burgundy-colored center, followed by burgundy/plum-colored seed pods that can be dried and used in dried flower arrangements. A hardy annual reaching 45–60 cm in height, it prefers full sun and reaches flowering maturity in 65–85 days; pinching is not required. 

The plant dislikes transplanting, so it performs best when direct-sown in the garden in autumn or early spring; starting seeds indoors can be challenging, therefore chilling seeds in the freezer for 10–14 days before sowing is recommended to speed germination. Harvest flowers when they are about three-quarters open, or collect seed pods once formed. Fresh flowers last up to 7 days in a vase, while dried pods keep indefinitely when hung upside down in a warm, dark place for 2–3 weeks.