Nigella «Damask Black Cumin» – an annual herbaceous plant of the buttercup family, reaching 30–60 cm in height, with branched stems and lace-like leaves. The flowers are large, double-flowered, and can be blue, red, pale white, or pink; they have a pleasant, slightly strawberry-like aroma. The plant blooms from July until the first frosts, and flowering can be prolonged by pinching off the tops. Thanks to its bright color and scent, Nigella is often used in decorative compositions: as a standalone plant, in flower beds, borders, rabatkas, and for dried bouquets.
Nigella is distinguished by its high cold resistance and ability to attract bees. It prefers bright, sunny areas, loose soil of medium acidity (most often chernozem), but does not tolerate excessive watering or shade. Sowing seeds is done in spring in open ground or through seedlings; the distance between plants is 15–20 cm, and row width is 40–45 cm. Care includes soil loosening, weeding, moderate phosphorus feeding during flowering, and winter covering.
Nigella seeds are valued as a spice: they contain vitamins, essential oils, zinc, and calcium. In cooking, seeds are added to meat and fish dishes, cookies, pretzels, and also used to flavor drinks and desserts. Additionally, Nigella has healing properties – it helps with diabetes, epilepsy, bronchitis, hypertension, boosts immunity, and can be used in cosmetology. Seeds are also used as a natural insect repellent.
Thus, «Damask Black Cumin» combines decorative appeal with practical benefits: it will decorate any garden or floral bouquet, attract beneficial insects, and provide a rich source of aromatic seeds for the kitchen and health.
