It can be grown here as an annual. It's NOT the same as bachelor's buttons. It's not the same as love in a mist either, which looks a lot like it. Love in a mist is a different variety. That link doesn't really give much info on how to actually germinate and grow it. Try this one:
Looks like Batchelor's Buttons too. Horticulture: https://findanyanswer.com/how-do-you-grow-nigella-sativa#:~:text=Nigella%20sativa%20is%20native%20to%20western%20Asia%20where,Beside%20above%2C%20can%20you%20grow%20Nigella%20in%20pots%3F
This says it is cultivated in India and Egypt, which makes me hopeful. The heat is too much for a lot of helpful plants.
It can be grown here as an annual. It's NOT the same as bachelor's buttons. It's not the same as love in a mist either, which looks a lot like it. Love in a mist is a different variety. That link doesn't really give much info on how to actually germinate and grow it. Try this one:
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/grow-nigella-sativa-63678.html
There are plenty of seed sources but Territorial is a reliable company I've ordered from.
Thanks. These BBs coming up in my yard from mixed wildflowers seeds don't look like ones I remember either.
Probably love in a mist. It's fairly common.
love in a mist https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/love-in-a-mist-nigella-damascena/
bachelor's buttons
https://www.rareseeds.com/store/vegetables/bachelors-button/classic-artistic-bachelor-s-button
BTW, Baker Creek is another really good source of seeds.
I think you are right, They tend to come up too late and barely bloom before they get fried.