Black cumin (nigella seed) Nigella sativa
Black cumin (nigella seed) (Nigella sativa) is an annual herb in the Ranunculaceae family, native to South-west Asia. It grows 20–50 cm (8–20 in) tall and 15–25 cm (6–10 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Black cumin (nigella seed) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Black cumin (nigella seed) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 20–50 cm (8–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (spice; kalonji) |
| Native to | South-west Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇲🇦 Morocco |
Is Black cumin (nigella seed) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Culinary amounts are safe; concentrated oil is not for pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Black cumin (nigella seed)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Black cumin (nigella seed)
- How far apart should I plant Black cumin (nigella seed)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 cm (6–10 in).
- Does Black cumin (nigella seed) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Black cumin (nigella seed) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Black cumin (nigella seed)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Black cumin (nigella seed) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Black cumin (nigella seed) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary amounts are safe; concentrated oil is not for pets.
- What grows well with Black cumin (nigella seed)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Black cumin (nigella seed). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Pale blue flowers like love-in-a-mist; seeds were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Hellebore (Lenten rose) Helleborus x hybridus
- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger