Growing Pastel Blue Love in a Mist Nigella Seeds
Pastel Blue Love in a Mist (Nigella damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’) is a popular and reliable self-seeding annual that brings enchanting beauty to any garden. Known for its delicate sky-blue flowers and unique ferny foliage, this plant adds a touch of elegance and charm to borders, beds, and containers. The decorative seed pods are perfect for dried flower arrangements, extending their beauty beyond the blooming season. Easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, these seeds are ideal for UK gardens.
When to Sow Pastel Blue Love in a Mist Seeds in the UK
- Sowing Temperature: For optimal germination, maintain soil temperatures between 15-21°C (59-70°F). This range ensures quick and even sprouting of seeds.
- Soil and Location: Select a location with well-drained, fertile soil that receives full sunlight. Love in a Mist thrives in nutrient-rich soil but can tolerate loam, sand, and chalk. Adding compost can enhance soil fertility and structure.
- Seed Sowing Advice: Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or autumn. Scatter the seeds on the surface or barely cover them with soil. Planting seeds approximately 1/8″ deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which typically takes 14-21 days.
Caring for Pastel Blue Love in a Mist Plants & Seedlings
- Transplanting: When transplanting seedlings outdoors, space them 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart to allow for ample growth. Ensure the soil is well-drained and enriched with organic matter.
- Maintenance: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to help the plants develop their full size.
- Weeding: Keep the area around Nigella free from weeds, which compete for nutrients and water. Gentle hand weeding is preferred to avoid disturbing the roots.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Harvesting: Harvest flowers when they are fully open, or collect the decorative seed pods once they have matured. The seed pods can be dried and used in floral arrangements, adding long-lasting beauty to your home decor.
Grow Your Own Pastel Blue Love in a Mist in Spring
- Indoor Start: Although not typically recommended due to transplant sensitivity, you can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Ensure they are sown in a well-draining seed starting mix.
- Outdoor Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are sturdy enough and the risk of frost has passed, usually from late May to June. Ensure soil temperatures have consistently reached at least 15°C (59°F).
Growing Pastel Blue Love in a Mist in Summer
- Direct Sowing: For continuous blooms, direct sow seeds outdoors every 4 weeks from early spring to mid-summer. This ensures a steady supply of flowers throughout the growing season.
- Considerations: Ensure the soil is warm and there’s sufficient time for the plants to mature before the colder months. Summer sowing may require additional watering to keep the soil moist due to higher temperatures.
Growing Pastel Blue Love in a Mist in Autumn/Winter
- Overwintering: In milder UK regions, sowing in autumn can yield an early harvest the following year. Sow directly in the ground in September or October.
- Protection: Provide protection with fleece or a cloche as temperatures drop to shield young plants from severe frost and ensure their survival over winter.