Black Cumin, aka Nigella Sativa is very Beautiful and Medicinal member of the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. The flowers are highly prized for their beauty and unique shape. These annual plants grow to about 12 inches tall, and yield many flavourful seeds that are used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. In the kitchen, the seeds are used to flavour curries and sauces, and sometimes used as a pepper substitute too. When used as an herbal medicine, the seeds are an effective remedy against inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, digestive complaints, and more. The plants are easy to grow, and don't require much attention other than regular waterings, and possibly a good layer of mulch. The plants are disease and pest resistant too.

Growing Instructions:

Its best to start Black Cumin seeds indoors about 2 weeks before last frost; we start them here on the farm in May. It's good to sow them in a sterile growing medium; most available seed starting soils should do the job nicely; we use sunshine mix (peat moss and perlite). The soil should be made moist, but not damp. Sow the seeds 1/8 - 1/4 inch below the soil surface. Store in a warm area until tiny sprouts emerge from the soil. A heat mat aids in this step, but is not necessary. Seeds can take between 2-4 weeks to germinate, but they can sometimes take less time too. Once germinated, and the first true leaf has formed, it's time to pot up to a larger container that contains a good quality potting soil. Transplant to their final location in the earth when the nighttime temperatures are consistently 10°C or higher. They do best when spaced every 6-8 inches. The plants grow best in full sun.