Noog (niger seed) Guizotia abyssinica
Noog (niger seed) (Guizotia abyssinica) is an annual flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Ethiopian highlands (domesticated there; also grown in India). It grows 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Noog (niger seed) in your garden →
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Noog (niger seed) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 140 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (oil; roasted and ground) |
| Native to | Ethiopian highlands (domesticated there; also grown in India) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Noog (niger seed) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
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 Noog (niger seed)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Noog (niger seed)
- How far apart should I plant Noog (niger seed)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Noog (niger seed) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Noog (niger seed) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Noog (niger seed)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Noog (niger seed) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Noog (niger 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. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Noog (niger seed)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Noog (niger seed). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
Notes and assumptions
- Ethiopia’s main edible-oil crop, sown on waterlogged highland vertisols late in the rainy season. The small black seeds are sold worldwide as "niger" or "nyjer" bird seed (heat-treated to stop them sprouting). Short-day plant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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