The Jungfer im Grünen not only has an unusual name, but also beautiful flowers that are decorative even as fruit capsules.
We will tell you, among other things, where the many names of Nigella damascena come from and whether the plant, which is closely related to black cumin, can also be used as a culinary and medicinal herb. There are also tips on sowing and care.
Jungfer im Grünen: characteristics and origin
The annual, herbaceous plant from the Mediterranean region belongs to the genus black cumin (Nigella) within the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It has many interesting names such as:
- Gretchen in the bush
- Bride in Hair
- Damask Caraway
- Venus Hair
But where does the name "Jungfer im Grünen" come from? The name comes from a legend according to which two lovers were forbidden to love each other by their parents. Gretl and Hans missed each other so much that they turned into flowers. Gretl became a maiden in the green before Schmacht and Hans became a chicory, which is also called Hansl am Weg in some regions.
The many other names refer more to the appearance of the plant. Many pinnate leaves, which are greatly reduced, sit on the branched stem. The mostly blue flowers are bordered by bracts that are so severely slashed that they resemble fine hairs.
Tip: Like chicory, yarrow and cornflower, the maiden in the open is a symbol of neglected love. Anyone who is presented with a bouquet of these flowers can quickly take this as a rebuff.
The following question remains: when does the maiden in the open bloom? The natural flowering period extends from June to September. During this time, the maiden in the open attracts numerous bees and other insects, which then pollinate the flowers. Light capsule fruits are formed, the seeds of which are shaken out of fine columns by the wind shaking them or by animals running by. Nigella damascena usually grows to a height of 45 cm but can sometimes reach a height of 70 cm. The Maid in the GreenSnails don't like to be visited, they tend to be scorned.
What is the difference between spinster and black cumin? The spinster and black cumin both belong to the same genus, namely black cumin (Nigella ). However, they can be easily distinguished by their leaves. The real black cumin (Nigella sativa) has no hair-like bracts and appears less light and delicate overall. Due to its spicy taste, black cumin is also used in the kitchen more often and differently than the seeds of the Jungfer im Grünen.
The most beautiful varieties
As a popular garden plant, there are different varieties of the Jungfer im Grünen. Flower color and plant height are the main differentiators here.
- Nigella damascena 'Moody Blues': This cultivar mix contains slightly taller growing lines that range in color from a whitish blue to Blue-violet bloom. The plants grow to a maximum height of 80 cm.
- Nigella damascena 'Persian Rose': As the name suggests, this damsel in the green has pink flowers instead of blue. With a height of around 50 cm, it is in the average range for Nigella damascena.
- Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll': The flowers of this variety are sky blue and semi-double, making them even more magnificent. For bees, however, double flowers are rather disadvantageous. The variety grows to about 45 cm tall.
- Nigella damascena 'Alba': Here, too, the variety name reveals the special feature. This damsel in the green has white flowers. It can reach a height of 50 cm.
Sowing maiden in the green: location and procedure
Jungfer thrives best outdoors in a location with lots of sun and on fresh, loose and moderately nutrient-rich soil. In less suitable locations in the semi-shade or on dry, very poor soil, the spinster in the green remains smaller and fewer flowers are formed. To establish the Jungfer im Grünen by sowing seeds in the garden, proceed as follows:
- A very low in nutrientsand dry soil can be improved with high-quality potting soil. For example, our Plantura organic potting soil, which can be used both in pots and in beds, is suitable for youngsters in the countryside, but also for many other flowering plants. It contains a good portion of nutrients for a successful start to growth and also ensures he althy soil life.
- Sow the seeds directly into the bed from March. The seeds should be about 1 cm deep in the ground. Keep a distance of about 20 cm between plants - but you can still transplant the seedlings within the first two weeks after germination.
- After two to three weeks, the first seedlings will appear.
- Replant new seeds every two weeks for a long flowering period until November.
Jungfer im Grünen in a pot? Jungfer im Grünen can also grow in pots without any problems. In any case, there should be a drainage hole and a drainage layer made of coarse material such as stones so that the irrigation water can drain off. Here, too, our Plantura organic potting soil is ideal as a substrate.
Care of Nigella damascena
As a frugal and adaptable plant, the spinster in the countryside requires little care. If the plant grows in a tub, it needs a little more attention.
The Jungfer im Grünen should only be watered when longer periods of heat make it necessary. The plant copes quite well with drought and does not need daily watering. If the spinster is kept outdoors in a pot, it should be checked regularly with a finger test whether it needs to be watered again. If the upper centimeters are dry, water can be given.
Tip: A layer of mulch, for example made from our Plantura organic pine bark, protects the soil from drying out and suppresses wild herbs that could overgrow the maiden in the green.
Fertilization of the Jungfer im Grünen is usually only necessary when kept in pots. Give the plant a low dose of fertilizer every 14 days during the flowering period, for example with our Plantura organic flower & balcony fertilizer. Our fertilizer is purely organic and not only strengthens leaves and flowers, but also the roots of the plants thanks to the microorganisms it contains.
To prevent the spinster from self-seeding and spreading, you can prune the plants before the seeds are ready. Now only the following arisesQuestion: Is the Jungfer im Grünen hardy? The annual plant is not hardy, but dies off after a year and ensures the survival of its species through self-seeding.
Drying Maiden in the Green
After flowering, the maiden in the open develops seed pods. These look extremely decorative and are often used for drying bouquets. To do this, cut off the stems of the plant at the base and hang them upside down on a thread to dry.
To get the edible spinster seeds, wait until the pods on the plants start to turn brown. They are then harvested and further dried in a shallow dish on kitchen paper until parchment-like. At this stage, the capsules should already rupture at the top. Now shake the seeds onto clean paper, remove any foreign objects such as seed pests and then store the seeds in a dry, dark and cool place.
Is the damsel in the green poisonous or edible?
Most members of the buttercup family, which also includes the spinster, are poisonous. Nigella damascena is considered slightly poisonous, so you should never eat the whole plant. A little caution is required, especially with children and pets: They should not chew on the plant or put it in their mouth.
The seeds of the Jungfer im Grünen are edible and taste intensely of woodruff when they are finely ground. They are therefore particularly suitable for sweet dishes, but are also often used to decorate and flavor cream cheese. However, only ever eat small amounts, as the seeds also contain the poisonous alkaloid damascenine.
The seeds of the Jungfer im Grünen are said to have an expectorant effect in small doses, but the healing effect is not certain. And since the effect has not been finally clarified, consumption is not recommended to be on the safe side.
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