Wild Fennel (Nigella arvensis)

Family: Ranunculaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Nigella arvensis is a ANNUAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring on cakes, bread etc. — Seed - raw or cooked.; It is normally used as a flavouring on cakes, bread etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Cornfields and dry hills on calcareous soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)