La nigella damascena it is an annual plant that grows in fields and pastures that are stony or with a sandy texture. Its origin corresponds to the South of Europe and the Mediterranean region.
It is considered an ornamental plant in many regions of the world. Name nigella It is given by the color of its seeds, which are totally black.
Characteristics of the Nigella Damascena
His scientific name is nigella damascena, whose common name is also known as spider mite, garden light and hair of venus among others.
It is a generally annual plant, with very attractive flowers that grow spontaneously in fields, meadows and roadsides. Easily grown from seed. The flowers are white, pink, blue and light purple and are solitary, hermaphrodite, actinomorphic, pentameric.
This straight-stemmed plant with a height from 60 to 70 centimeters, It has the leaves especially the lower petioles. The flowers are characterized by being about four centimeters in diameter. They are quite robust plants and very resistant to dry seasons.
It can be said that the planting time for flowers occurs periodically throughout the year.
Regarding its use, This is practical in gardening for the beauty of its flowers in flowering season. Although it must be said that their flower heads and seed capsules are very decorative even if they have dried.
In general, it is a plant that is easy to grow.You only have to consider working the soil in late summer and early fall. They like limestone soils, well fertilized and with a lot of drainage.
The seeds are characterized by their gastronomic use in the Middle East. The seeds that are used for marketing can come in various colors, even mixed.
It is resistant in summer if it is outdoors, especially in warm areas. You have to keep the irrigation moderate and you should fertilize by adding compost preferably before sowing.
Its reproduction is through seeds in spring. The seeds of the plant often tend to self-sowIf this occurs, we must immediately remove what is called the capsules of the seeds preferably before they begin to open.
Farming
Arañuela seeds tend to grow best when grown in the ground. This plant that adapts to all climates, needs a space in full sun and with excellent drainage and humidity, in addition to a clay soil.
In that case, the seeds should be planted about two inches deep and can be sown in the garden. You have to have special beware of birds and the effects of the sun until germination occurs and passes the initial growth stage.
If it is about making them germinate in spring you have to take advantage of the thawing of the ground and that this is viable. For this, a specific test is carried out, you just have to take the soil from the ground and if it crumbles it is indicative that it is in optimal conditions.
Uses
The seeds of the Nigella Damascena well crushed they are used as a spice and substitute for example for pepper. They are also added to bread.
Its medicinal use includes to alleviate several diseases related to the liver, diarrhea, expulsion of gases and favoring menstruation in women. Nevertheless, it must be taken with caution due to its toxicity levels.
The composition of the plant contains alkaloid and essential oils. The most used part are the seeds and must be collected in the fall season, since it is there when they are ripe.
In short, the plant is so surprising that the same seeds from the previous year can germinate again surprising with the beauty of its flowers.