Nigella papillosa Delft Blue | Spanish Love in a Mist

Nigella papillosa ‘Delft Blue’ | Spanish Love-in-a-Mist | Love in a Mist

Delicate sky-blue blooms with timeless charm inspired by Dutch artistry

Nigella papillosa ‘Delft Blue’ is an enchanting hardy annual admired for its soft blue and silvery-gray petals, delicately brushed with violet tones — a true living reflection of the iconic Dutch Delft pottery. Each bloom, 4–5 cm wide, features a dark purple center surrounded by fern-like, airy foliage, giving the plant its romantic name: Love-in-a-Mist.

Growing up to 90 cm tall, this variety fills borders, meadows, and cottage gardens with elegant texture and long-lasting color from July to October. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, while the ornamental seed pods that follow can be used in fresh or dried arrangements — perfect for natural bouquets and winter decorations.

Easy to grow and quick to bloom, Nigella papillosa ‘Delft Blue’ thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, rewarding even beginner gardeners with its ethereal beauty and effortless grace.

Plant Information

• Botanical name: Nigella papillosa
• Variety: ‘Delft Blue’
• Common name: Spanish Love-in-a-Mist, Love in a Mist
• Type: Hardy annual
• Height: 80–90 cm
• Spread: 30 cm
• Flower color: Blue, grey-blue, and lilac with dark purple center
• Bloom size: 4–5 cm
• Blooming season: July – October
• Days to maturity: 65–85 days
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
• Watering: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates dry spells
• Sowing depth: 0.5 cm
• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22 °C
• Plant spacing: 23–30 cm
• Pinching: Not necessary
• Vase life: 7–10 days (flowers), longer for pods
• Uses: Cottage and wildflower gardens, borders, floral design, fresh and dried bouquets

• Special features: Attracts pollinators, ornamental pods, drought-tolerant once established

Growing Instructions

Sowing Indoors:
Sow from March to April in trays at +18–22 °C. Cover lightly with compost or vermiculite. Germination takes 2–3 weeks.

Sowing Outdoors:
Sow directly in prepared soil from April to May or in autumn for early blooms. Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart.

Care:

• Prefers sunny, open spots and well-drained soil.
• Avoid over-fertilization.
• Deadhead to prolong flowering or leave some seed pods for self-seeding and drying.

Cut Flowers:
Cut early in the morning when flowers are fully open or when pods start to form.
For drying, harvest pods while still green and hang upside down in a dry, airy place.

✨ Sow the magic of “Delft Blue” and let your garden bloom in soft blue harmony — a poetic touch of nature’s art.