Albion Black Pod Nigella is a stunning open-pollinated cultivar of Nigella damascena, prized for its delicate white double flowers and distinctive decorative seed pods. Ready to harvest in 65-70 days, this bushy flower reaches maturity quickly and performs beautifully in both fresh and dried arrangements. The combination of intricate blooms and ornamental pod development makes it a rewarding choice for gardeners who want season-long visual interest from a single, easy-to-grow plant.
—
Moderate
3-9
?in H x ?in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
White double flowers paired with darkly dramatic seed pods create an unexpected contrast that stops people mid-conversation. These pods dry naturally on the plant and hold their decorative appeal for months, making Albion Black Pod equally valuable in a vase the day it blooms and in a dried arrangement the following winter. Direct sowing every two to three weeks extends the flowering season, ensuring continuous pods for cutting rather than a single flush.
Albion Black Pod Nigella excels as a cut flower for fresh arrangements, where the intricate white blooms bring delicate texture to mixed bouquets. The real appeal emerges as flowers fade and distinctive seed pods develop, making it exceptional for dried flower work. Gardeners harvest both at different stages: colored buds or pods just beginning to develop for fresh work, and fully mature firm pods for dried arrangements that last through winter.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before your planned transplant date. Maintain soil temperature around 65-70°F. Cover seeds very lightly with soil as light is required for germination. Handle seedlings gently when transplanting, as these plants are sensitive to root disturbance.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 2 inches apart. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting.
Direct sow outdoors after the last spring frost. Press seeds very lightly into prepared soil as light is required for germination. For continuous flower and pod production, sow in succession every 2-3 weeks early in the season. Fall sow in regions with mild winters.
For fresh arrangements, cut flowers when buds are fully colored or pods have just begun to develop. For dried bouquets, wait until seed pods are completely firm and mature on the plant, then cut and hang in a well-ventilated space to finish drying. This typically occurs around 65-70 days from sowing.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.