Hammelmans flower of the week is Nigella. It is also known as Love-in-the-Mist, Devil-in-the-Bush, Jack-in-Prison, Love-in-a-Tangle, and Bridal Veil. Nigella is an annual herb that has been around over 400 years. Passed down for generations from mother’s gardens to daughter’s garden. Hammelmans have been growing Nigella for over 20 years.

At Hammelmans, planting starts in the spring after the last frost. Nigella has a delicate lacey green foliage that mist around the flower. It is a wonderful cottage garden plant and a great filler. After the blossoms fall off, the Nigella head turns into a striking pod which bears the plants seeds. Hammelmans always harvest at its most striking time: grass green and deep burgundy strips. It is dried very quickly to retain that luscious color.

The seeds can be used as a condiment as it has a nutmeg flavor. In India, the seeds are used as a sachet to keep bugs out of clothing. The flower can be used in a fresh floral arrangement. The dried pod can be used alone or in a dried floral arrangement or wreath.