Black Cumin [Nigella sativa]

The annual black cumin is a popular spice and medicinal plant for hot summers and cold periods. The seeds are used as a bread seasoning, salad dressing, dip, herb curd and for making oil. Ideal for direct sowing, no pot cultivation, sowing spring-summer, good for mixed culture, harvest the seeds.

 Description 
Black cumin is a very old annual spice and medicinal plant that has been cultivated in the Middle East and India for more than 3,000 years. A heat-loving plant with bluish-white flowers that can survive hot summers and cold periods. This plant is mainly grown for seed and used as a bread seasoning, salad dressing, dip, herb curd and for oil production. The relatively large, shiny black seeds have their own aromatic, spicy-bitter taste that combines elements of pepper, anise and caraway. Although the name suggests a similarity, it is not related to caraway or cumin. Easy to cultivate.

 General information 
Plant family: Ranunculaceae
Life cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 150 days
Plant height approx.: 60 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Medium
Winter hardiness: Up to 3°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, loamy, humus

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 15-18 °C
Germination time: 10-21 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 2-3 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: -
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from March to May is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Black cumin ideally prefers a soil that is low in nutrients, moderately dry to moist, permeable and contains loam and humus. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock flour is recommended.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
During prolonged periods of heat and drought, regular watering is advisable. No care or fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Nigella sativa
English names: Black cumin
German names: Schwarzkümmel
Portuguese names: Cominho preto
Spanish names: Comino negro
French names: Cumin noir

 Origin 
Country: Portugal