Scabiosa — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Scabiosa columbaria |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 10–14 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost and transplant into well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline, average-to-lean soil in full sun; pincushion flower produces a long succession of lavender-blue, lilac, or white domed flower heads on wiry stems from early summer through frost that are excellent for cutting and highly attractive to butterflies and native bees. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to prolong the season. Plants are relatively short-lived in hot, humid climates and in acidic soils; top-dress with garden lime in acidic beds. In zones 8–9, treat as a cool-season annual and sow in fall for winter-to-spring bloom. The similar annual species S. atropurpurea blooms in a single season from seed.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0