Black Cumin
Seed # 22
Basic Information
- Seed Number
- 22
- Seed Name
- Black Cumin
- Variety
- Not recorded
- Category
- Herb
- Plant Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Plant Type
- Black cumin / black seed (Nigella sativa)
- Planting Method
- Direct Sow
- Seed Status
- In Seed Bank
- Created
- 2026-08-14 00:50:34
- Updated
- 2026-08-19 15:35:29
Planting Information
- Start Planting Date
- Apr 1
- Last Recommended Planting Date
- Jun 1
- Plantable Months
- April, May, June
- Indoor Start
- Not recorded
- Direct Sow
- Apr 1 – Jun 1
- Transplant
- Not Recommended
- Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost
- Not Recommended
- Transplant Weeks After Frost
- Not Recommended
- Germination Days
- 10–14 days
- Harvest/Maturity
- 90–120 days to mature seed
- Succession Planting
- 14 days
Growing Conditions
- Ideal Soil Temperature
- 60-70°F
- Planting Depth
- 1/8-1/4 in
- Plant Spacing
- 4-6 in
- Row Spacing
- 12-18 in
- Thin-To Spacing
- 4-6 in
- Sun Requirements
- Full sun
- Water Needs
- Keep evenly moist while establishing; moderate water thereafter
- Soil Preference
- Well-drained garden soil
- Minimum Container Size
- 1-2 gal; 8-10 in deep
- Plant Height
- 12-24 in
- Perennial/Biennial Status
- Annual
- Container Friendly
- Yes
- Trellis/Support Needed
- No
- Frost Tolerant
- Yes
- Heat Tolerant
- No
- Drought Tolerant
- Yes
- Pollinator Friendly
- Yes
- Medicinal
- Yes
Garden Uses
Container Culinary Medicinal Pollinator Seed SavingCompanion Planting
| Plant | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Basil | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Basil | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Calendula | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Calendula | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Chamomile | Good Companion | Not recorded |
| Dill | Good Companion | Not recorded |
Storage
- Seed Source/Brand
- MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit
- Packet Year
- Not recorded
- Quantity Notes
- Not recorded
- Purchase Date
- Not recorded
- Expiration Year
- Not recorded
- Storage Box
- Not recorded
- Container
- Not recorded
- Envelope
- Not recorded
- Row
- Not recorded
- Slot
- Not recorded
- Storage Notes
- Not recorded
Notes
Original Planting Method: Direct sow or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 1 – Jul 1
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 60–100 days
Succession / Reusable Notes: Good for annual herb beds and pollinator strips.
Zone 6B Notes: Harvest flowers/leaves regularly depending on crop.
Companion Plants: Vegetables, calendula, chamomile, basil, dill, pollinator flowers
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Overcrowding
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Cool-season annual. Direct sow in early spring; make successive early sowings rather than transplanting because Nigella dislikes root disturbance.
Germination: Sow shallowly; cool soil supports germination.
Harvest: Harvest inflated seed capsules once dry but before they shatter.
Seed Saving: Dry capsules thoroughly and thresh black seeds. Keep Nigella sativa separate from ornamental Nigella varieties if purity matters.
Special Care: Do not confuse Nigella sativa with Cuminum cyminum (cumin) or Bunium persicum.
Research Source: NC State University BioResources — https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/effective-removal-of-cationic-dyes-from-aqueous-solutions-by-using-black-cumin-nigella-sativa-seed-pulp-and-biochar/ — Nigella sativa identity and culinary/health-supplement use
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/nigella/nigella-key-growing-information.html — Nigella germination, direct-sowing preference, succession interval, light and spacing guidance
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]