A Complete Guide to Growing Scabiosa from Seed

With their fuzzy, frilly blooms in shades of white, pink, purple, and blue, scabiosa are delightful old-fashioned cottage garden flowers Also known as pincushion flowers, scabiosa bring long-lasting color to beds, borders, and bouquets These easy-to-grow annuals and perennials can be readily started from seed.

Follow this guide for tips on sowing and growing scabiosa from seed for gorgeous garden color and bountiful cut flowers.

Choosing Scabiosa Varieties to Grow from Seed

Two main types of scabiosa are commonly grown:

  • Annual scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea) bloom the first year from an early spring sowing Popular varieties include ‘Black Knight’, ‘Tall Double Mixed’, and ‘Giant Fidelity Mixed’.

  • Perennial scabiosa (Scabiosa caucasica) are long-lived in zones 3-7. Leading perennial varieties are the ‘Fama’ series and ‘Butterfly Blue’.

When selecting scabiosa seed, consider your growing goals. Compact types work well in containers. Tall annuals produce long stems ideal for cutting. Perennials lend reliable color year after year.

Timing for Sowing Scabiosa Seeds

Scabiosa seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover with soil. Simply press into the seed starting mix surface.

There are two main sowing time options:

Starting Seeds Indoors

  • Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost date.

  • Maintain temperatures of 65-70°F (18-21°C) for best germination, which takes 10-14 days.

  • Grow seedlings on at 60-65°F (15-18°C) and transplant outdoors after hardening off once frost risk has passed.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

  • Sow seeds directly in prepared garden beds after the last spring frost date for your area.

  • Make successional sowings every 4 weeks for continuous blooms.

  • Fall sowing in early autumn will produce plants that overwinter in mild winter regions.

Providing the Right Conditions for Germination

Follow these tips to help your scabiosa seeds successfully sprout:

  • Press seeds into quality seed starting mix. Do not cover with soil.

  • Maintain consistent moisture in the top 1/2 inch of soil. Avoid soggy conditions.

  • Place seed trays on bottom heat mats set to 65-70°F (18-21°C).

  • Provide 14-16 hours of light daily with grow lights or a sunny window.

  • Gently mist soil to keep surface moist if air is very dry.

  • Watch for sprouts in 10-14 days.

Caring for Young Scabiosa Seedlings

Scabiosa seedlings need attentive care once they emerge:

  • Water carefully to keep soil moist but not saturated.

  • Move seedlings to brighter light immediately after sprouting.

  • Transplant into cell packs or larger containers when true leaves form.

  • Grow on at 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and 50-55°F (10-13°C) at night.

  • Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors.

Transplanting Scabiosa Outdoors

When transplanting scabiosa outside, choose a site with full sun and fertile soil. Work in compost before planting for best growth.

Space annual scabiosa 12 inches apart in rows or clusters. Allow 18 inches between perennial plants.

Water transplants well and keep soil evenly moist the first few weeks. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering into fall.

Saving Scabiosa Seeds

Let blooms dry on the plants and collect seed heads when the base stems turn brown. Further dry indoors and then rub between hands over a bowl to separate seeds.

Label seeds by variety and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot. Viability lasts 3-4 years when stored properly.

With proper sowing, care, and growing conditions, scabiosa started from seed will soon delight your garden with their colorful, fluffy blooms.

Frequency of Entities:
scabiosa – 24
seed – 22
grow – 6
plant – 4
soil – 5
sow – 5

Quick Facts About Scabiosa

Gardeners everywhere appreciate the attributes of Scabiosa. Also known as Pincushion Flower, these attractive drought tolerant annuals establish nicely from Scabiosa seed. There are lots of beautiful, showy blooms on the Rose Pincushion Flower, and the plant blooms for a long time. The Scabiosa Pincushion is a favorite among xeriscape gardeners, and butterflies and other good bugs also love it. While the Scabiosa Pincushion Flower looks nice in the garden, it is also great for cutting, drying, or pressing.

Sow Scabiosa seed indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the red Scabiosa Flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. For those who want to plant their cushion seeds outside after the risk of frost has passed, they will bloom very late.

Select a location in full sun or light shade in soil that drains well. Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter. It is possible to add compost to your planting area at any time. It is a great form of organic matter that has the right amount of nutrients and pH level. If you don’t have access to compost, add 1-2 inches of organic mulch to the top of the soil after planting. This will start to break down into compost. After the growing season, a soil test will indicate what soil amendments are needed for the following season.

How to Grow Annual Pincushion Scabiosa Flower from Seed – Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners Series

FAQ

Is Scabiosa hard to grow from seed?

Both annual and perennial scabiosa start from seed very easily. Their papery, shuttlecock shaped seeds are large and easy to handle, so it makes seeding a lot easier (compared to the nightmare of foxglove or poppy seeds).

Does Scabiosa need heat to germinate?

For indoor planting, surface sow the seeds, pressing them into the soil for good seed-to-soil contact. Sprinkle a thin layer of vermiculite over the seeds or use a humidity dome to enhance germination. Maintain a temperature of 65°F to 70°F during this period. Seeds will typically sprout within five to fifteen days.

Does Scabiosa bloom first year?

Perennial varieties can also be planted in fall. Water Scabiosa thoroughly after planting. Both annual and perennial types will usually flower in their first year. Once they’ve been seeded in the garden in a spot with plenty of sun, water them regularly and keep an eye on their progress.

Can Scabiosa be direct seeded?

They are not frost hardy, so do not plant them too early in the season. Transplants or Direct Sow? Scabiosa is versatile and can be transplanted or direct sown. Transplants are best for most climates.

How do you grow a Scabiosa plant?

Scabiosa plants like soil that is moist but well-draining. They can fool you by blooming happily in clay soil for one season, but wet soils during their dormancy will turn your carefree perennial into an annual. If your landscape has heavy or boggy soil, you’re better off growing your scabiosa in raised beds.

Can scabies be transmitted by food?

Scabies is not transmitted by food. It is spread from person to person through physical contact and/or contaminated clothing, bedding or towels that have been used by a person with scabies.

Is Scabiosa easy to grow?

Yes, Scabiosa, also known as Pincushion flowers, are relatively easy to grow. They are considered low-maintenance plants that thrive in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. These plants are also tolerant of drought and heat. Does Scabiosa grow well in pots? Yes, Scabiosa can be successfully grown in pots.

How long does it take Scabiosa seeds to grow?

To start scabiosa seeds indoors: Cover seeds lightly with ¼ inch of soil. Sprouts should appear in 14-21 days. Once the seedlings are 3-5 inches tall, transplant them into individual pots or the ground.

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