Nigella Black Cumin

(Lycopersicon esculentum )

A popular crimson red medium tomato with great taste that tolerates low night temperatures, so it is ideal for cooler area. A Russian heirloom that is an early producer. A tough and vigorous producer that needs staking.

An attractive cultivar medium sized, scarlet red fruit that is full of flavour. Tolerant of cool night temperatures and ideal for cool climate gardens

Flavours/Food Partners

A rich flavored tomato that partners well with Latin herbs like garlic, oregano, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Use with any good salad vegetable, Nasturtium flowers and mixed fresh herbs to make an attractive and tasty salad.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Like all tomatoes, Red Russian is high in the cancer fighting agent, Lycopene and also Vitamin C. For a classic rich sauce cook and mix with garlic, marjoram, sweet basil, diced shallots, and fresh pizza thyme. Finely dice, mix finely chopped shallots, fresh pesto basil and extra virgin olive oil and place on lightly toasted Turkish bread then top with an anchovie for a special homemade bruschetta.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant in an airy, sunny position in well drained soil or very large pots. Requires a 1.1 to 1.4 m stake.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Like all tomatoes it must receive a deep soaking when almost dry and should not receive overhead watering. Feed regularly with Seasol and Powerfeed. A small amount of dolomite lime after planting will make stronger plants. Remove side shoots and develop two or three main leaders. Harvest when fruit is full color

Herb Attributes

Position Full Sun
Height 1.2m
Width 50cm
Category:

Description

(Nigella sativia)

An easy to grow annual growing to 30cm with finely divided leaves. The pretty flowers are edible and make a great addition to salads. Flowers pale blue to white followed by the fruit that is a large capsule containing the seeds.

Flavours/Food Partners

Seeds are used as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines tasting like a combination of onion, black pepper and oregano.

Health/Cooking/Medicinal

Dry roasted seeds used to flavour curries, vegetables, pulses, salads and poultry. Also used to flavour bread, the most recognisable is Naan Bread. The oil is used as an anti-inflammatory and for pain relief. It is also reported to be anti-allergic, anti-microbial, with essential nutrients for healthy skin – vitamins A, B, & C.

Landscaping/Planting

Plant spring to autumn, regularly in rows and spacing 20 to 30cm between each plant. Sunny location, well drained and pH of 6-7. When used as an ornamental for its flowers, remove the spent flower heads for an extended flowering season.

Cultivation/Fertiliser

Give regular applications of Seasol and Powerfeed to keep the plant healthy.

Herb Attributes

Position PART TO FULL SUN, FROST SENSITIVE
Height 50CM
Width 30CM

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