With its fine-feathered leaves, which are very similar to dill, and the striking, mostly blue flowers, the filigree-looking damsel in the green (Nigella damascena) is a real feast for the eyes in every summer flower border. In fact, the delicate beauty - which is also called "Gretchen im Busch" or "Damascus caraway" in some regions - has been cultivated in German cottage gardens for many centuries. Once sown, the spinster in the open multiplies all by itself by sowing itself over and over again.

From August the seeds of the Jungfer im Grünen can be harvested for sowing

The optimal location for the maiden in the countryside

The undemanding maiden in the countryside thrives on almost any garden soil, provided it is in as sunny a position as possible. The sunnier and drier the location, the more beautiful and lush the flowers will be. A humus-rich, moderately nutrient-rich and rather dry soil is ideal, and the plant also prefers warm summers. In rather damp and cool early summers, it can happen that the buds wither and the maiden in the green does not bloom.

Sow Jungfer im Grünen directly outdoors

The sowing of the Jungfer in the green is basically quite simple:

  • Sow the spinsters in March/April.
  • Sowing is also possible between the beginning of May and the end of June.
  • Sowing is carried out on carefully prepared and well loosened soil.
  • The crumbs of earth are crumbled as finely as possible.
  • Spread the seeds out
  • and press them lightly.
  • Sow several times at intervals of two to three weeks,
  • because then you can enjoy the flower longer.
  • The seeds germinate within 10 to 20 days.
  • Separate the seedlings at a distance of about 10 centimeters.

Sowing in autumn

In addition, sowing is possible as early as September, whereby these specimens will flower particularly early. Ensure a longer flowering period by re-sowing in the spring. If self-sowing is not desirable, the seed pods should be removed in good time.

Jungfer im Grünen does not need much care

Otherwise, the Jungfer im Grünen does not require any further care, apart from additional watering during longer dry periods. Fertilization or pruning is usually not necessary either. The first flowers appear eight to ten weeks after sowing.

tips

The dried seed pods of Jungfer im Grünen are ideal for dried bouquets, for example in combination with wild flowers and grasses.

Category:

Herbs