Love in a mist `Miss Jekyll` double mix

1000 seeds

How to Seed Love-in-a-Mist ‘Miss Jekyll Double Mix’ (Nigella damascena)

1. Best Time to Sow (Gulf Region):

   • Outdoors: From October to February, when the weather is cool (15–25°C / 59–77°F).

   • Indoors or nursery trays: From December to February for early transplanting.

   • Avoid sowing during April–September, as high temperatures cause poor germination and weak flowering.

2. Sowing Depth:
   Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep in moist soil.
   Nigella prefers direct sowing because it dislikes root disturbance.

3. Soil:
   Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
   Ideal Gulf mix: 40% garden soil + 30% peat moss + 20% perlite + 10% compost.
   Avoid heavy or clay soils; good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

4. Light & Temperature:

   • Germination temperature: 15–20°C (59–68°F).

   • Requires full sun for best growth and flowering.

   • In the Gulf, full morning sun and partial afternoon shade help protect plants from strong midday heat.

5. Germination Time:
   Seeds germinate in 10–20 days under mild, moist conditions.

6. Transplanting:

   • If started in trays, transplant carefully when seedlings are 8–10 cm tall.

   • Space plants 20–25 cm apart for bushy, spreading growth.

   • Harden off seedlings for a few days before exposing them to full sunlight.

7. Growing Tips for Gulf Climate:

   • Sunlight: Prefers full morning sun and light shade in the afternoon.

   • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during germination and flowering; avoid overwatering.

   • Feeding: Use a balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage strong stems and colorful blooms.

   • Maintenance: Deadhead faded flowers to prolong the blooming season.

   • The ‘Miss Jekyll Double Mix’ produces delicate double flowers in shades of blue, pink, white, and lilac, surrounded by airy, fern-like foliage — ideal for borders, pots, and cut flowers.

   • Blooms from late winter to early summer in Gulf conditions.