Nigella papillosa 'Midnight'
love-in-a-mist
Dark, velvety blooms make this annual a striking addition to any sunny border. The finely divided, feathery foliage forms a soft, airy backdrop to rich purple flowers that appear through summer.
Each bloom is followed by decorative, dark seed pods that hold their colour well when dried, making Nigella papillosa ‘Midnight’ ideal for cut or dried arrangements. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, where it adds texture and contrast to mixed borders and cottage garden displays.
Leave the seed heads to dry on the plant for long-lasting late-season interest.
Each bloom is followed by decorative, dark seed pods that hold their colour well when dried, making Nigella papillosa ‘Midnight’ ideal for cut or dried arrangements. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, where it adds texture and contrast to mixed borders and cottage garden displays.
Leave the seed heads to dry on the plant for long-lasting late-season interest.
How to care for Nigella papillosa Midnight:
Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth, and feed at regular intervals with a high-potash fertiliser throughout summer.
Deadheading regularly will help prolong the flowering period into autumn. Support the plants with twiggy branches in exposed gardens.
Deadheading regularly will help prolong the flowering period into autumn. Support the plants with twiggy branches in exposed gardens.
Sowing instructions:
Best sown in situ, 5mm (¼in) deep. Prepare the seedbed by incorporating some composted organic matter, remove any stones and rake to a fine tilth.
Sow in autumn if you want early flowers the following summer, or in mid spring for a later crop.
Thin them out when they are large enough to handle allowing 30cm (12in) between each.
Sow in autumn if you want early flowers the following summer, or in mid spring for a later crop.
Thin them out when they are large enough to handle allowing 30cm (12in) between each.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 500 seeds
was £2.99
now £2.54
available to order from spring
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