How to Grow Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa Germination Information

Scabiosa is the botanical name for Pincushion Flower
Scabiosa Seed Germination How to Sow Scabiosa:
  • Sow the perennial and the annual types indoors at 55-70° with germination occuring in 10-15 days
  • Sow the annuals indoors 4-5 weeks before last frost
  • Alternatively, sow the annuals outdoors in the spring after all the danger of frost is past
  • Sow the perennials outdoors in spring through fall with flowering the following summer
  • When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed

How to Grow Scabiosa:
Transplanting: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves

Spacing: Space 10-15 inches apart in full sun

Soil: Site in a neutral to slightly alkaline, rich, well-drained soil. Fertilize monthly during the growing season

Additional Care: Deadhead to prolong the flower display. Tolerant of drought, exposure, heat and humidity, pests, and diseases, however, they need protection from excessive winter moisture that will cause root rot

Appearance and Use:

Situate these vigorous and floriferous species in beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers. Cut the flowers for fresh use. They have pincushion-like flowerheads that appear from June to September and attract bees and butterflies. Scabiosa atropurpurea, Sweet Scabious, is an annual growing 8 inches tall with 18-36 inch stems bearing 2-4 inch, fragrant, purple, white, pink, or red flowers. It is an annual. Scabiosa caucasica, grows 24 inches tall with 2-3 feet stems bearing 3 inch, ruffled or fringed, blue, lavender, or white flowers. It is a perennial hardy from Zones 4-9


About Scabiosa:
Pronunciation:  skab-e-o’så
Lifecycle:  Perennial/Annual
Origination: Dipsacaceae; native to the Mediterranean
Common Name: Pincushion Flower