Organic Nigella 'Cramer's Plum'

Organic 'Cramer's Plum' Nigella (Nigella sativa) from the seed company Gaia, a refined nigella with plum-colored pods and contrasting white flowers

Nigella 'Cramer's Plum' is a heritage variety selected for its smooth, unstriped, plum-purple pods , highly prized in dried flower arrangements . Its delicate flowers, with white petals , create a striking contrast with its dark pods and finely toothed foliage. Sown in autumn, it develops longer stems , ideal for cutting, while spring sowing produces a more compact bloom. A nectar-rich, airy, and poetic plant, it brings a unique charm to cut flower gardens and natural borders.

Companion plants : Phlox, Cosmos, Yarrow, Ammi, Scabious, Larkspur, Zinnia
Negative plants : Plants with high water requirements (waterlogged environments)

Spread/Carry : Light and airy tuft
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 30 seeds
Certification : Environmentally friendly product
Special features : Purple plum-colored pods, white flowers, ideal for dried bouquets, long stems if sown in autumn, attractive to bees, edible flowers

Leaf color : Finely cut, bluish-green
Texture/flavor : Delicate petals, aromatic seeds (traditional culinary use)
Cold tolerance : Down to -7°C

Farming method

Perform a 3-week cold stratification before sowing. Sow indoors 4 weeks before the last frost, at a depth of 3 mm . Germination takes 10 to 14 days at 18-21°C (optimum 20°C). Transplant after all risk of frost has passed into full sun (level 3) with moderate watering (level 2). Space plants 28 cm apart and rows 43 cm apart. For longer stems , autumn sowing outdoors is ideal.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest either:
• the freshly colored buds , if used as cut flowers,
• either the formed but still flexible pods , for dried compositions.

Hang the stems in a dry, well-ventilated place to preserve their color and shape. The flowers and some parts are edible , but the seeds should be handled with care depending on the intended culinary use.

Usage ideas

• In dried bouquets , where its plum-colored pods become central elements
• In fresh bouquets for a light and textured touch
• In the cutting gardens to vary shapes and colors
• In airy clusters with other delicate flowers
• To attract pollinators, thanks to its delicate flowers

Nigella 'Cramer's Plum' adds elegance, contrast, and refinement to the garden. Its unique plum-colored pods and subtle blooms make it an essential choice for lovers of natural bouquets and artistic floral textures.