Photo: SilvestresbrasileirosPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Niger Seed Plant Care
Guizotia abyssinica Cass.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Guizotia abyssinica is an erect, stout, branched annual herb, grown for its edible oil and seed. Its cultivation originated in the Eritrean and Ethiopian highlands, and has spread to other parts of Ethiopia. Common names include noog/nug (Ethio-Semitic and Eritrean ኑግ nūg or ኒህዩግ nihyug); niger, nyger, or nyjer seed (all pronounced /ˈnaɪdʒər/); ramtil or ramtilla; inga seed; and blackseed.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun
65–85°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Niger Seed?
Water Niger Seed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
What Is the Niger Seed?
Niger Seed (Guizotia abyssinica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Guizotia genus. Niger Seed is also known as Ramtil, Black Cumin, Anthemis mysorensis.
Niger Seed displays an upright annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Niger Seed produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Niger Seed?
Guizotia abyssinica requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Niger Seed Need?
Niger Seed thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Niger Seed Prefer?
Guizotia abyssinica grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Niger Seed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Niger Seed?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Niger Seed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Niger Seed?
Feed Niger Seed every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Niger Seed?
Replant annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Niger Seed?
Niger Seed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bidens jacksonii plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Niger Seed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Niger Seed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Niger Seed?
Niger Seed is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Niger Seed Need?
Niger Seed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Niger Seed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Niger Seed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Guizotia genus — compare its care with other Guizotia species on PlantoScan.
Guizotia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Niger Seed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Guizotia abyssinica Cass., family Asteraceae (first published in Dict. Sci. Nat., ed. 2. 59: 248 (1829)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Niger Seed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Silvestresbrasileiros, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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