NIGELLA DAMASCENA – LOVE IN A MIST – MISS JEKYLL BLUE

Description

NIGELLA DAMASCENA – LOVE IN A MIST – MISS JEKYLL BLUE

NIGELLA DAMASCENA – LOVE IN A MIST – MISS JEKYLL BLUE. One of the most popular and reliable self seeding annuals available. Nigella ‘Miss Jekyll’ produces an abundance of sky-blue, flowers from June, making an ideal companion plant for roses and Asiatic lilies and filler in any border. The seed pods are used in dried flower arrangements. Easy to cultivate. Tolerates a wide range of conditions, prefers full sun. 6-8 In.

Cultivation Advice 

• Sow seeds directly in the garden in early spring after the last frost date. Choose a sunny to partly shaded location with well-draining soil.
• Ensure the soil is well-draining and of average fertility. Love-in-a-Mist prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soil.
• Scatter seeds over prepared soil and lightly press them in. These seeds require light to germinate, so avoid burying them too deep.
• Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth stages. Once established, they’re somewhat drought-tolerant but prefer regular watering.
• Space plants about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) apart to allow for proper growth and airflow between plants.
• Apply a thin layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid covering the seeds or seedlings excessively.
• Love-in-a-Mist generally doesn’t require heavy feeding. Lightly amending the soil with compost before planting should suffice.
• Regularly remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding if controlled propagation is preferred.
• Monitor for pests like aphids or spider mites. Use organic methods or insecticidal soap to address pest issues. Love-in-a-Mist is relatively disease-resistant.
• Allow some flowers to mature and dry on the plant to collect seeds for subsequent plantings or sharing with other gardeners.
• Consider planting Miss Jekyll Blue Nigella alongside other annuals or perennials to create mixed flower beds or borders for a diverse and visually appealing garden.
• Provide support or staking for taller varieties if they tend to lean or bend, especially in windy conditions. This helps maintain their upright growth.
• While adaptable to various temperatures, provide some shade in exceptionally hot climates to prevent heat stress.
• Allow some seed pods to mature and self-seed to create a naturalized look, adding to the garden’s beauty in subsequent seasons.
• Use ‘Miss Jekyll Blue’ Love-in-a-Mist as an edging or border plant to delineate garden spaces and create an attractive transition between different areas.
• Consider planting ‘Miss Jekyll Blue’ Nigella in containers or pots, providing versatility and mobility in adjusting their location or sunlight exposure.
• Succession planting by sowing seeds every few weeks ensures a prolonged blooming period, providing continuous flowers throughout the season.
• Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Timely care helps maintain the plant’s health and vigor.
• Harvest dried seed pods for unique additions to dried flower arrangements, wreaths, or crafts, prolonging the ornamental appeal of Love-in-a-Mist.
• Utilize Love-in-a-Mist in educational settings to showcase its unique appearance and life cycle, making it a fascinating study for children and novice gardeners.
• Collect seeds from matured pods for future sowings or to share with gardening enthusiasts. Properly store seeds in labeled containers in a cool, dry place.
• Harvest seeds once the pods have dried on the plant. Store them in a cool, dry place in paper envelopes, ensuring they’re completely dry before storage.
• Periodically check and replenish mulch around the plants to maintain its effectiveness in moisture retention and weed suppression.
• Incorporate Love-in-a-Mist into different garden designs, including cottage gardens, wildflower patches, or cutting gardens for varied aesthetics.
• Allow some self-sown seedlings to grow, offering a charming and naturalistic element to your garden landscape.