NIGELLA DELFT BLUE

Named after the famous Dutch Delft blue pottery. Unique 1 1/2-2" flowers with varying shades of blue and grey on the petals and an intricate deep purple centre. Produces unusual seed pods, which can be used in fresh or dried arrangements. 24-36". HA.

Nigella is such an easy plant to grow, a charming cut flower, dried flower and cottage garden plant that is much hardier than its delicate flowers and fennel like foliage would suggest. Scatter a sprinkling of Nigella seed across a patch of moist bare earth, in a sunny but sheltered spot during September, cover lightly with 1mm of compost and let let nature take its course. The seeds will germinate with 21 to 30 days and the first seedlings appear6 to 8 weeks after sowing.

Alternatively, or as a precaution against particularly harsh winter weather, sow indoor in pots or trays from January to April. Transplant into 3 inch pots when the seedlings are large enough to handle and finally into the garden when they are about 6 inches tall.

Seedlings should be thinned to or planted at 9 inches spacings. Compost should be kept moist but not wet.