Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) - This ornamental herb, Black Cumin, is an annual and widely grown for its black seeds. The Cumin seeds are similar to fennel in odor but taste peppery more like nutmeg. The herb seeds are ground and used like pepper. Black Cumin is also known as Black Caraway, Roman Coriander and Blackseed.

Highly ornamental, the Black Cumin herb has 5-petaled flowers that are white or pale blue in color with lacy bracts that create an airy look. Following the flowers are the seed pods. Black Cumin plants are well-known as medicinal herbs, and they have a long history of treatments for headaches, intestinal distress, skin problems and many more health problems. The seeds are a wonderful source for essential fatty acids.

How To Grow Black Cumin Herb Seeds: Start the Cumin seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost for transplanting outdoors. Or, after the last frost, directly plant the Black Cumin herb seeds outdoors. Some gardeners sow the Nigella Sativa seeds in several successive weeks in order to keep a longer season. Black Cumin plants need a sunny location in the herb garden and well-drained soil. Water the herb plants regularly during prolonged periods of dry weather. After the seed heads begin to dry, cut the stems, tie them together and place the seed heads in a brown paper bag. Hang the stems upside down in a warm well-ventilated place until the herb seeds are done drying. Place the seeds in an airtight container.

Annual Herb

How to Grow

Cumin needs a long, warm growing season for the seeds to be ready to harvest. Start the herb seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last expected frost of the season. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1/4". Keep them moist until germination, which will occur in 1-2 weeks under proper conditions. Once seedlings are established and all danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted directly outdoors. To harvest, cut the entire plant when the seeds are ripe. Tie the stems together and place the heads in a paper bag with air holes. Hang upside down in a warm, well-ventilated place to dry the seeds.

• Environment: full sun
• Soil: rich/sandy & well-drained
• Sowing rate: 7-10 seeds per plant

Plant Specifications

Cumin is an annual flowering herb that grows in USDA zones 5 through 10. It has long been used as both a culinary and medicinal herb, but also is quite sightly in the garden with its green foliage and white blossoms.

• Bloom color: white
• Bloom season: summer
• Plant height: 8-16 inches