Scabiosa: How to Grow Pincushion Flowers

Scabiosa flowers add charm and texture to any garden. Their delicate, pincushion-like appearance is captivating, drawing the eye with their intricate details and subtle beauty. The flowers sit atop slender, graceful stems, adding movement and whimsy to the garden. Learn how to grow scabiosa flowers with these tips.

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How to Grow Scabiosa (Pincushion Flowers)

Pincushion Flower Plant Characteristics 

Scabiosa flowers come in various colors, including shades of purple, deep purple, blue, pink, white, and even red, offering multiple options to complement different garden styles and color schemes.

These long-lasting blooms attract gardeners and pollinators like bees (bumblebees love them!), butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them an excellent choice for promoting biodiversity and supporting a healthy ecosystem.

Most varieties of scabiosa are 24-36” tall—varieties to try Fire King, Starflower, and Black Knight.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Scabiosa flowers are relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them suitable for novice and experienced gardeners alike. They can be easily incorporated into various garden settings, such as perennial borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and container gardens.

Scabiosa Soil Preparation

Pincushion flower grows well in the ground, in raised beds and containers. However, Scabiosa prefers well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil that is rich in nutrients, so add plenty of compost or aged manure to the soil before planting. 

Place the plant in a location with full sun exposure (at least 6 hours of sunlight per day). In northern climates, choose an area that receives full sun. In southern regions, scabiosa grows best with partial shade (especially afternoon shade). 

When to plant scabiosa

Scabiosa is an easy plant to grow, whether you choose to start from seed, plug, or transplant.  Pincushion flowers are hardy annual flowers that tolerate frost and cooler temperatures. Start scabiosa seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your planting date.

• In zones 7 and warmer, plant pincushion transplants for fall planting 6-8 weeks before your first frost date.
• For spring planting, plant 6-8 weeks before your last fall frost date in all zones. 

In the low desert of Arizona, start seeds indoors for pincushion flowers from August to November and plant transplants from October to January. 

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. Learn more about how to start seeds indoors in this blogpost.

To plant scabiosa from plugs and transplants:

If you prefer plugs or transplants, you can plant them directly into the soil during your planting window. Allow 6-12 inches between plants. Provide adequate space between plants to promote proper air circulation and prevent overcrowding. Flower supports may be required to keep plants upright. I use bamboo poles with these clips to support scabiosa flowers.

How to Grow Scabiosa Flowers and Care for Them Throughout the Growing Season

Make sure to water your scabiosa regularly, especially as plants become established. They will tolerate some drought once established. Pincushion flowers produce multiple stems naturally and do not need pinching.

Regularly remove dead leaves and spent blooms to encourage blooms. To deadhead, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the spent flower head just above the next leaf or branching point on the stem. Prune deeply into the center of the plant to reinvigorate.

Apply organic fertilizer to encourage blooms in spring and again in mid-season to support healthy growth.

Scabiosa is often a perennial plant in zones 3 to 9, which means it will return year after year. Divide in the spring. However, it may act like an annual in colder climates or hot summer climates. It typically flowers from late spring through mid-fall. It will continue blooming as long as temperatures aren’t too hot or too cold. 

If you live in a hot climate, you may need to take extra steps to ensure your scabiosa thrives. Provide some shade during the hottest part of the day. Plant scabiosa near taller plants or structures that can provide some relief from the sun. Additionally, mulching around your plants helps keep the soil cooler and retain moisture. In hot summer climates like the low desert of Arizona, scabiosa may go dormant or die during the hottest months of the year.

Tips for Using Scabiosa Flowers as a Cut Flower

To harvest scabiosa for cut flower arrangements, harvest when ⅓ of the flowers are open for the longest vase life. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, and make the first cut on the stem at almost ground level above 2-3 side shoots. Side shoots will form at the base of the stem. Cut the side shoots back to the stem when harvesting. 

As the seeds mature, the seed head transitions from a green color to shades of brown, tan, or gray. The dried seed heads can have an almost architectural quality. They can be left on the plant to provide visual interest or harvested for seed collection. They also make excellent additions to floral arrangements.

Troubleshooting Pests and Diseases for Pincushion Flowers

Like any plant, scabiosa can be affected by pests and diseases. The most common pest is aphids. Monitor plants for signs of problems, but the damage is usually minor, and intervention is usually unnecessary. Read this post to understand more about organic pest control.  

The most common disease affecting scabiosa is powdery mildew. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry. For more information about preventing and treating powdery mildew, read this post.

How to Save Seeds from Scabiosa Flowers

Scabiosa seed heads develop after the flowers have been pollinated and faded away. The seed heads are often as visually appealing as the flowers, resembling tiny, rounded pincushions or thimbles with a slightly raised and domed center.

Depending on the Scabiosa variety, they are typically 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. The center of the seed head is covered in tiny, individual seed compartments called achenes, which give it a textured, bumpy appearance.

How to save seeds from pincushion flowers:

To save seeds from scabiosa flowers, allow a few of the largest blooms to develop into seed heads and leave them on the plant until they brown entirely.

1. Harvest the dried seed heads by carefully cutting them off the plant using pruning shears or scissors.
2. Place the seed heads in a paper bag and gently crush them using your hands or a rolling pin. This will help release the seeds from their compartments within the seed head.
3. Once the seeds have been released, separate any remaining chaff or debris by gently blowing on the seeds or using a fan to create a light breeze. The lighter chaff will be carried away, leaving the heavier seeds behind.
4. Allow seeds to dry completely and then store in an airtight container. Learn more about how to store seeds for the longest storage in this post.

Remember that some hybrid varieties may not produce true-to-type plants from saved seeds, so keeping seeds from heirloom or open-pollinated varieties for consistent results is best.

In conclusion, scabiosa is an easy-to-grow and versatile plant perfect for gardeners who want to add color and texture to their flower beds. Whether you choose to start from seed, plug, or transplant, scabiosa is a low-maintenance and beautiful addition to any garden. So go ahead and learn how to grow scabiosa and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

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