• Scientific name: Nigella sativa
• Also known as: Black Cumin, Black Seed, Black Caraway, Fennel Flower, Charnushka, Kalonji, Roman Corriander
• Ideal planting time: Mar, Apr, May
• Approximate days until harvest: 100 days
• Seed supplier: Adaptive Seeds

Growing & Seed Saving Tips

From Adaptive Seeds:

“Direct sow after danger of frost has passed, 1/8″ deep, in rows that are 12″ apart. Thin seedlings to 3-4″ spacing. May also be sown indoors for transplant. Germinates best in cool soil early in the season. Will self-seed if seeds are left unharvested.

Harvest and Seed Saving

Collect seeds for culinary use or seed saving from seed heads that are fully dry. Thresh by hand; winnow or screen to clean. Some cross-pollination may occur, isolate from other varieties of the same species by 1/4 mile.”

Share your knowledge!

Do you have planting tips, photos, or recipes to share? You can contribute to this planting guide to help others using the UW Tacoma Seed Library by filling out the feedback and submission form.