What's eating my black seed?

Black Seed (Nigella sativa) has few serious pest enemies — its pungent thymoquinone-rich foliage deters most insects. Aphids sometimes target the delicate flower stems, thrips can damage petals, and slugs attack seedlings. In humid seasons downy mildew is more of a threat than insects. Overall one of the easier annual herbs to grow pest-free.

Small colonies on flower stems and developing seed pods; honeydew deposit on pods can attract fungal infection and reduce seed quality Spray with insecticidal soap or a jet of water. Interplant with basil or marigolds to attract beneficial insects. Populations rarely reach damaging levels on established plants.

Silver-streaked or flecked petal surfaces; fine black specks (frass) on flowers; seeds may be poorly formed in heavy infestations Use blue sticky traps to monitor and reduce adults. Apply spinosad or insecticidal soap at first signs. Avoid overhead irrigation that spreads thrips to new flowers.

Seedlings and young transplants eaten to the ground; leaves on established plants show ragged holes at edges after wet nights Scatter iron phosphate pellets around seedlings immediately after germination. Use gritty mulch as a deterrent. Direct-sow thinly so some loss is tolerable.