Black cumin
Nigella sativa • Ranunculaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Herb
🌍 Origin Region
Southwestern Asia, the Mediterranean region, and parts of Africa; widely cultivated globally in temperate to subtropical zones.
📅 Days to Maturity
90 to 120 days from planting to seed harvest. Blooms generally appear within 60 days. Harvest when seed pods turn brown and dry on the plant.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. Typically grown as a hardy annual across all zones.
About This Seed
The seeds are small, roughly triangular to angular, matte black, and possess a rough, pitted surface texture with a pungent, oregano-like aroma when crushed. The resulting plant is an annual herb growing 20-30 cm tall, featuring finely divided, delicate feathery foliage, pale blue or white flowers, and inflated capsule fruits containing the seeds.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring to early summer. Direct sow after the last frost date, as they dislike being transplanted. Moderate frost tolerance when established.
Germination
Germination takes 7 to 14 days at an optimal soil temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C). Germination rate is typically moderate to high. Seeds benefit from being lightly covered with soil as darkness aids germination.
Planting Instructions
Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep, spaced 4 inches apart in rows spaced 10-12 inches apart. Thins out to about 6 inches apart. Prefers well-draining, loamy to sandy soil with a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Exhibits good drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include tomatoes, peppers, and most root vegetables. Avoid planting near aggressive herbs that might crowd them out.
Special Characteristics
Highly pollinator-friendly, attracting bees and beneficial insects. Seeds are widely used in culinary spices and traditional medicine (known as black seed or kalonji). Exhibits good pest resistance.