Annual & Biennial Herbs

Nigella sativa ‘Black Cumin’ White – Seeds (Nigella sativa)

Nigella sativa ‘Black Cumin’ (Nigella sativa) is a graceful annual valued both as a culinary spice and an ornamental flower. It produces delicate white, star-shaped blooms that float above feathery foliage, followed by decorative seed pods. Known for its aromatic black seeds, often called black cumin, it has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional remedies. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, this dual-purpose plant brings both beauty and practicality to the garden.

Why Grow "Black Cumin" White

• Delicate white blooms with airy foliage

• Produces edible black cumin seeds with culinary uses

• Attractive seed pods for dried arrangements

• Easy to grow and self-seeding annual

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Nigella sativa)

• Height: 20–40 cm

• Flowering: Summer

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Culinary seeds, borders, containers, dried flowers

Ideal For

• Herb and kitchen gardens

• Dual-purpose planting – ornamental and edible

• Borders and cottage-style displays

• Cutting and drying seed pods for decoration

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or September for earlier blooms

• Germination: 10–20 days

• Thin seedlings: 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

• Self-seeds freely for naturalized planting

Summer Savory 'Midget' – Seeds (Satureja hortensis)

Summer Savory ‘Midget’ is a compact, fast-growing annual herb, prized for its spicy, peppery flavour that resembles thyme and oregano. This dwarf variety is especially suited for container growing, raised beds, and small herb gardens.

Traditionally used to season bean dishes, meats, soups, and stews, it is also excellent fresh or dried as a versatile culinary herb. With its neat, bushy growth habit and aromatic leaves, ‘Midget’ is both decorative and useful in the kitchen.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – April in pots or trays

• Sow outdoors: April – June, directly into prepared soil

• Depth: Lightly cover seeds with soil (approx. 0.5 cm)

• Spacing: 20–25 cm between plants

• Position: Sunny, well-drained spot

• Soil: Light, sandy, moderately fertile

Key Features

• Compact dwarf variety – ideal for pots and small spaces

• Distinct peppery flavour – a classic bean seasoning

• Culinary herb for meats, stews, soups, and sauces

• Can be used fresh or dried

• Hardy, quick-growing, and easy to maintain

Harvesting

• Harvest from: June – September

• Pick fresh leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

• For winter use, cut and dry whole sprigs just before flowering.