How to grow Scabious

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Seed Sowing

Sow seeds undercover into modules 5mm deep in August or February – April, covering lightly with vermiculite or seed compost. Keep warm to aid germination.

Transplanting

Seedlings may need potting on before they are ready to be planted outside. Transplant outside in full sun once seedlings are established and risk of frost has passed, spacing 30cm apart. Scabious can also be grown in containers.

Plant Care

Keep the area weed-free and watered during hot spells. You can mulch around the plants to keep in moisture and prevent weeds. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Stems may need support, especially in windy growing conditions.

Challenges

Scabious are generally pest and disease-free.

Harvest

Pick the flowers often to encourage more flowers to form; they will usually flower for around 10-12 weeks. Ideally harvest the flowers in the morning when temperatures are low and plant water content is high. Plants will arrange better if left to sit in water for a few hours after cutting.

Scabious have an excellent vase life and will usually last for up to a week.

Culinary Ideas

Scabious are not edible.

Seed Saving

Harvest the individual flowers as they dry or whole plants once most of the flowers on the stem have dried.

Lay out on a sheet to dry further and thresh by hand by rubbing the seedheads between your hands. Then winnow to clean the seeds further. Store in a cool dark place.

Scabious will self-seed if left in place in your garden.

Varieties