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An armload of Love-in-a-mist Cramer's Plum
An armload of Love-in-a-mist Cramer's Plum
Love-in-a-mist Cramer's Plum growing in the field
A close up of Love-in-a-mist Cramer's Plum
A bunch of Love-in-a-mist Cramer's Plum

Love-in-a-mist ‘Cramer’s Plum’

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. Branching stems are loaded with dozens of fluffy white blooms. The plum-colored pods are great to use either fresh or dried.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 24 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. Branching stems are loaded with dozens of fluffy white blooms. The plum-colored pods are great to use either fresh or dried.

Details

Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 18 to 24 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

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