With its natural charm, the Jungfer im Grünen adorns the primeval cottage garden, summer flower borders and rounds off rustic dried bouquets magnificently. The annual flower with the filigree fringe of hair around blue, pink or white flowers is experiencing a much-noticed renaissance. Use well-founded answers to frequently asked questions to explore how easy cultivation is.

The maiden in the green is not only beautiful to look at, its seeds also have healing powers

care tips

Last but not least, their frugal unpretentiousness has contributed to the worldwide popularity of the Jungfer im Grünen. The care program therefore comes in pocket size:

  • In case of drought, water the flowers in the morning or in the evening
  • Fertilizing is not necessary in the bed
  • In the pot, fertilize every 4 weeks from June until the end of the flowering period

The one-year-old Nigella damascena takes care of the propagation itself by forming numerous seed heads and distributing them in the garden. If this is not desired, cut the withered plants down to the ground in good time.

Which location is suitable?

Nigella damascena found its way from the Mediterranean region to the cottage gardens of Central Europe. Their origin indicates which site conditions are particularly important to Jungfer im Grünen. In sunny, windless locations, the flower is in top floral form throughout the summer. Ideally, the soil is fresh, loose and humus-rich, with a medium level of nutrients.
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What soil does the plant need?

In the wild, the damsel inhabits almost any soil in the countryside. Nevertheless, the delicate summer beauty has her special preferences. Provide the flower with a fresh, well-drained and humus-rich soil, it achieves its optimum. In the sandy-poor soil, the flowering splendor usually falls short of expectations.

What is the best planting time?

With a view to the easy sowing and rapid germination in the bed, the effort of growing behind glass is unnecessary. Sow the flower seeds from the end of March to mid-June in staggered follow-up sowings. In locations with mild winters, another time window for sowing opens in September to induce an extra early flowering period.

Cut maid correctly in the green

Tall varieties make excellent long-lasting cut flowers. Cut off the newly opened flower stalks after the morning dew has evaporated. In addition, the striking seed pods give a dried bouquet a rustic look. To do this, cut off the faded summer flowers when the fruit sacs have formed. Tied into small bouquets and dried upside down in a breezy place, the maidens in the green are transformed into conspicuous dried flowers.

Casting maid in the green

A normal Central European summer provides enough rain to quench the thirst of the maiden in the green. In case of prolonged drought, the delicate flower should be watered. In the early morning or in the evening hours, pour the water from the jug spout directly onto the root disk. In pot culture, on the other hand, there is a regular need for watering, since the substrate dries out more quickly.

Fertilize properly maiden in the green

If the flower thrives outdoors, the nutrient requirement is covered in the usual garden soil. In this case, there is no need to add fertilizer. Apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants once a month from June until the end of the flowering period, only in the bucket or balcony box.

pests

While the summer flower is largely spared diseases, the ubiquitous aphids often attack the delicate pinnate leaves. In view of the ease of sowing, we recommend not making any effort to combat the pests. Instead, uproot the infected plants and sow fresh seeds.

Jungfer in the green in the pot

In pots and flower boxes (€16.99), dwarf varieties give us a lot of joy throughout the summer. Sow the seeds directly onto the potting soil in March/April and cover the seeds thinly with substrate. Kept constantly slightly moist, the first seedlings will emerge within 10-20 days. In the further course, separate the strongest seedlings at a distance of 8-10 cm. Water regularly when the soil has dried. From June, the monthly administration of liquid fertilizer has a revitalizing effect on the youngsters in the green.

Is maiden in the green poisonous?

The flower from the black cumin (Nigella) genus has made a name for itself in naturopathy as a remedy for stomach and intestinal problems. The contained alkaloid damascenine unfolds its effect, which is not contained in real black cumin. The oil from the seeds is also used in the cosmetics industry. However, it is precisely this alkaloid that causes mild to moderate symptoms of intoxication if consumed in excess. Therefore, the ground seeds are no longer used to refine desserts, despite their distinctive woodruff taste.

How is the spinster sown in the green?

Save yourself the cumbersome cultivation behind glass, because the seeds of a spinster in the open germinate reliably directly in the bed. How to sow:

  • From the end of March, prepare the soil in a finely crumbly manner in a sunny location
  • Distribute the seeds widely and work them in lightly with the rake
  • Moisten the seedbed with a fine spray
  • Cover with leaves or protect with a close-meshed net

Depending on the temperature conditions, germination takes 10 to 20 days. Separate the strongest seedlings later at a distance of 15 to 20 cm. If you sow staggered follow-up seeds by mid-June, the flowering period extends well into autumn. In regions with mild winters, autumn sowing in September will be rewarded with early flowering the following year.
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trivia

The Maiden in the Green is still one of the classic symbolic flowers. In order to non-verbally announce their refusal to a suitor who is a suitor, young women send the scorned man a bouquet of virgins in the countryside. If the ladies want to emphasize their rejection, they add eyebright and chicory.

Beautiful varieties

  • Miss Jekyll: Charming variety that makes a statement in the summer garden with bright blue flowers; ideal for large areas; 40 cm
  • Mulberry Rose: A gorgeous hybrid with semi-double flowers in gorgeous shades of pink, purple and white; 40-60cm
  • Alba: A towering, white-flowered summer flower; nice for decorating vases in country style; 50-60cm
  • Blue Midget: Compact, blue dwarf variety that shines in pots, flower boxes and as a border for beds; 20 cm
  • African Bride: Premium variety with white flowers, black center and deep red fruits; 60-90cm

Category:

Herbs