Black Damascus(Nigella damascena) is an easy-to-grow annual plant with characteristic, delicate flowers in a beautiful blue color. It can also take on other colors, and at the same time is honey-bearing. It also has healing properties. Find out more aboutblack cumin useandblack cumin growingin the garden.
Black Damascus - Nigella damascena
Photo. pixabay.com
Black Damascus - description of appearance and properties
Damascus black cumin is an annual plantfrom the Ranunculaceae family. It grows up to 70 cm and forms raised, densely leafy shoots. Black cumin is a species related to black cumin, but it is slightly taller than it, it has a different habit, anddamascus black cumin flowers are larger and fragrant
Damascus black cumin most often it is grown in white or blue varietiesIt blooms for a relatively short period (from May to August) but its foliage makes the plant itself decorative.Black cumin seed bags are also decorative , and after drying, they are used in modern compositions for dry bouquets, and after grinding they smell like candy.
In addition to the typical species of Damascus black cumin, there are also hybrids with full flowers. The most famous variety isDamascus black cumin 'Miss Jekyll'with full flowers in blue, white and dark purple.
Black Damascus - application
In the gardenDamascus black cumin can be used in mixed bedswith other annuals or for creating borders. Black cumin flowers stay fresh in water for a long time, which is whyis also used in floristry .
Damascus black cumin during flowering
Fig. Kaldari, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
The use of damask seed is also found in medicineFor medicinal purposes, black seed is used, containing steroid compounds, triterpene saponins, coumarins, essential oil and fatty acids. Both the seeds and the extracts made from them show antibacterial, diuretic and choleretic effects. Black damask seeds should be reached by young mothers, because it increases lactation, as well as women who have problems with irregular menstruation.
Damascus black cumin fruit suitable for drying
Fig. Rob Hille, public domain, Wikimedia Commons
Black damascus - cultivation
Black cumin seeds are sownstraight into the ground in early spring (March-April) in rows every 30-40 cm. Emergence takes place after two weeks (we stop too dense emergence). This plant often reproduces spontaneously by self-seeding.
When growing Damascus black cumin, provide the plant with a sunny position , as well as rich soil, not too compact, but also not light, with a high calcium content. In terms of fertilizationdamask cumin is not a plant that requires , it only needs a few doses of fertilization before flowering and during flowering, thanks to which flowering will be more abundant.
Good to know!
If we do not grow black cumin for its fruit, but only for flowers, then it should be removed after it fades. Thanks to this, we will extend the flowering period (the plant will again produce new flowers instead of focusing on fruit formation).
During the black cumin growing season it is important to weed and water it regularly.
mgr inż. Joanna Białowąs
