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An armload of Love-in-a-Mist African Bride
An armload of Love-in-a-Mist African Bride
A close up of Love-in-a-Mist African Bride
A handful of Love-in-a-Mist African Bride
A close up of Love-in-a-Mist African Bride
Love-in-a-Mist African Bride growing in the field

Love-in-a-mist ‘African Bride’

Nigella papillosa

Features

  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Foliage & Filler
  • Medium producer
  • Suitable for containers

Description

While this plant looks quite fragile, it’s one of the hardiest early bloomers in the garden. Its brilliant ferny leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers are framed by a delicate halo of fringed foliage. When left on the plant, the flowers form dramatic black seedpods which add a unique textural element to any bouquet. White blooms with dark spidery centers are both unique and beautiful.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 28 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 85 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Plants dislike being transplanted and do best when direct-seeded into the garden in the fall or early spring. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest flowers when they are three-quarters open, or harvest pods when formed. Fresh flowers have a vase life of 7 days; dried pods last indefinitely. Dry by hanging upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks.

Details

Description

While this plant looks quite fragile, it’s one of the hardiest early bloomers in the garden. Its brilliant ferny leaves and lacy, star-shaped flowers are framed by a delicate halo of fringed foliage. When left on the plant, the flowers form dramatic black seedpods which add a unique textural element to any bouquet. White blooms with dark spidery centers are both unique and beautiful.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 28 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 65 to 85 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Plants dislike being transplanted and do best when direct-seeded into the garden in the fall or early spring. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest flowers when they are three-quarters open, or harvest pods when formed. Fresh flowers have a vase life of 7 days; dried pods last indefinitely. Dry by hanging upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks.

Sources

How to Grow

How to Grow

Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers

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Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals

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Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Grasses, Grains, and Pods

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Discovering Dried Flowers
Discovering Dried Flowers

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Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Discovering Dried Flowers
Discovering Dried Flowers

Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.