Beautiful Show Flower

How To Grow

If starting indoors, sow seeds into seed trays or packs filled with starting mix. Do not cover the seeds, but press gently into the soil. Make sure to keep seeds moist until germination. Pincushion seeds can also be started outdoors: sow directly after all danger of frost has passed. Note, however, that these will be very late to bloom. Sow into well-drained prepared soil, sowing in groups of 3-4 seeds 20 inches apart. These seeds will germinate in 14-21 days under correct conditions. When plants are established, deadhead blooms to promote continued flowering.

• Soil: well-drained with pH 5.8-6.8
• Sowing rate: 3-4 seeds per plant
• Average germination: 14-21 days

Plant Information

Pincushion flowers are perennial plants that grow in USDA zones 3 through 8. These flower are excellent at attracting bees and butterflies to the garden, and provide a unique appearance wherever you place them. Pincushion flowers grow best in full sun.

• Bloom color: blue
• Bloom season: summer
• Height: 20 inches

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Caucasica Perfection Blue) - This is an old-fashioned favorite in the summer flower garden commonly known as Pincushion Flower. It is an easy and rewarding flower to grow from Scabiosa seeds, and it features fern-like foliage, stems that reach 20 inches, and rich lilac-blue colored blooms that resemble a pin cushion. These blooms are gorgeous and they make excellent cut flowers. Pincushion Flower Scabiosa plants are sun-lovers, and they are ideal for borders, edging, and xeriscape flower beds. The are very attractive when planted in mass groupings.

The Scabiosa Pincushion plant is easy to take care of. Scabiosa flower care includes providing stakes for the plants in windy areas as they have delicate wiry stems. Pincushions flower heavily in early summer. Deadhead flowers, stems too, once they have finished blooming to prolong the blooming season, and then cut the plants back at the end of the growing season in autumn. It is necessary to divide the plants every 2 - 3 years to maintain vigorous growth. The Scabiosa Pincushion flower needs well-draining soil for winter survival and are resistant to drought once established.

Sow Scabiosa seeds indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Press the Scabiosa Caucasica seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Pincushion seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the blue Pincushion flower seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 20 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

Scabiosa Seeds | White

How to Grow

Sow Scabiosa seed indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the white Pincushion flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. You can sow seeds directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but if this is done they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 20 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

• Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
• Depth: Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
• Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

Flower Specifications

Plant your Scabiosa in well-drained soil and a sunny position. These flowers do not like cold and wet winters.

• Plant Spacing: 20 inches
• Height: 20 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 8
• Season: Perennial

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Caucasica Perfection White) - This versatile drought tolerant perennial can be established from Scabiosa seeds, and it offers many benefits to the summer garden. One of the greatest benefits of Scabiosa Pincushion is its long flowering season. Flowering begins in mid-spring and repeated flowering continues throughout the growing season when consistently deadheaded. Another benefit is the attractive, feathery, pincushion-like flowers on wiry stems. White Scabiosa, also called white Pincushion Flower, makes an excellent cut flower because it has such long stems, and it holds its color when dried. Butterflies and other beneficial insects will sure appreciate your xeriscape garden when you grow Pincushion Flowers!

Sow Scabiosa seed indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the white Pincushion flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Scabiosa flower seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 20 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

Scabiosa Seeds | Purple

How to Grow

Sow Scabiosa seed indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the Pincushion flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened. Sow in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

• Depth: Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
• Average Germ Time: 10 - 30 days

Flower Specifications

Do not over water, but rather let the purple Pincushion plant dry out in-between waterings and they are quite resistant to drought.

• Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches
• Height: 32 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 8
• Season: Annual

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Atropurpurea Double Purple) - A lovely addition for any xeriscape flower garden and so easy to establish from Scabiosa seed. Also known as Pincushion Flower, this deep purple variety makes and excellent cut flower, and the supply of blooms to cut will last throughout the entire summer. The more you cut, they more they produce! Scabiosa Pincushion is used for border plantings most of the time, but they can also be placed anywhere in the xeriscape garden to enhance its look. Purple Pincushion Flower blooms have a delightful, soft scent that lasts all summer, and the butterflies will visit the garden often!

Sow Scabiosa seed indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the Pincushion flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Purple Pincushion Flower seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist. Scabiosa flower care includes deadheading the spent blooms to promote continual flowering. Do not over water, but rather let the purple Pincushion plant dry out in-between waterings and they are quite resistant to drought. Over-fertilizing will result in few blooms, so do not fertilize unless the soil is very poor.

Scabiosa Seeds | Red

How to Grow

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. Seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the flower seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened. Sow the seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the Scabiosa seed into the soil and keep it moist.

• Depth: Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
• Average Germ Time: 10 - 30 days

Flower Specifications

• Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches
• Height: 32 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 8
• Season: Annual

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Atropurpurea Double Red) - Scabiosa, named for the Latin word itch, was used as an herbal remedy to cure itching. The common name is Pincushion Flower because it resembles a pin cushion. It might have unusual names and have an interesting history, but that does not change the fact that it is a gorgeous flower and enhances any xeriscape landscape where it grows. Propagated easily from Scabiosa seed, every garden should have a display of these lovely annuals. In the hotter climates, Scabiosa Pincushion would perform better with afternoon shade. The Pincushion Flower will self-sow, dropping its own flower seeds for next season's display. Quite drought resistant once established.

Growing Scabiosa Atropurpurea seed is fun and rewarding! 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. Pincushion seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the flower seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the Scabiosa seed into the soil and keep it moist. Pincushion flower care includes deadheading the spent blooms to promote continual flowering. Do not over water, but rather let the red Pincushion Flower dry out in-between waterings. These drought tolerant plants require very little water for survival. Over-fertilizing will result in few blooms, so do not fertilize unless the soil is very poor.

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Atropurpurea Double Rose) - Gardeners everywhere appreciate the attributes of Scabiosa. Also known as Pincushion Flower, these attractive drought tolerant annuals establish nicely from Scabiosa seed. Rose Pincushion Flower is a delight to grow offering both lovely, showy blooms along with a long flowering season. Scabiosa Pincushion is a treasured favorite among xeriscape gardeners and butterflies and other beneficial insects adore it as well. In addition to being attractive in the garden, the Scabiosa Pincushion Flower is also excellent for cutting, drying or pressing.

Sow Scabiosa seeds indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the rose Pincushion Flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Scabiosa flower seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Atropurpurea Beaujolais Bonnets) - One of the most unique and beautiful flowers you can add to your flower garden. Also known as Pincushion Flower, these attractive annuals establish nicely from Scabiosa seed.  Beaujolais Bonnets is a most unusual and strikingly beautiful addition to our Scabiosa offerings. Mauve pink petals surround a deep burgundy center highlighted by white stamens. Excellent for cut flower arrangements.  In addition to being attractive in the flower garden, the Scabiosa Pincushion Flower is also excellent for cutting, drying or pressing.  It is also pollinator friendly attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.  Great for cottage gardens, beds and borders where little water is required making these plants perfect for xeriscaping. If you want to spread out the bloom season even longer, plant two or even three sowings three of four weeks apart to achieve a succession of blooms throughout the season.

Sow Scabiosa seeds indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the rose Pincushion Flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Scabiosa flower seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

Scabiosa Seeds | Double Mix

How to Grow

Sow Scabiosa seeds indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press them gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Scabiosa flower seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and is free from organic matter. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist.

• Sowing Rate: 3 - 4 seeds per plant
• Depth: Do not cover the seed but press into the soil
• Average Germ Time: 10 - 30 days
• Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

Flower Specifications

Thin out the seedlings to 12 - 18 inches apart. Scabiosa need well drained soil, good light and a sunny position. The Scabiosa is a great plant for borders! It has beautiful, fragrant blooms that grow in a eye-catching range of colors.

• Height: 18 inches
• USDA Zones: 3 - 8
• Season: Annual
• Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches

Scabiosa (Scabiosa Atropurpurea Dwarf Double Mix) - Gardeners everywhere appreciate the attributes of Scabiosa. Also known as Pincushion Flower, these attractive annuals establish nicely from Scabiosa seed. Fragrant, fully double and relatively compact only reaching 18 inches tall,  this blend of lovely "cushion" flowers come in beautiful colors of maroon, carmine, scarlet, pink, rose and white. In addition to being attractive in the garden, the Scabiosa Pincushion Flower is also excellent for cutting, drying or pressing.  It is also pollinator friendly attracting bees and butterflies to the xeriscape garden.  Great for cottage gardens, beds and borders.  If you want to spread out the bloom season even longer, plant two or even three sowings three of four weeks apart to achieve a succession of blooms throughout the season.

Sow Scabiosa seeds indoors 10 weeks before the desired planting date. Sow the seeds and press the rose Pincushion Flower seeds gently into the starter mix. Keep the seed moist until germination. Scabiosa flower seeds can also be sown directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed, but they will be very late to bloom. Sow the Pincushion seeds into well-draining soil that has been loosened and weeded. Sow the flower seeds in groups of 3 - 4 spaced 12 - 18 inches apart. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep it moist until established.  Once plants are established, they are quite resistant to drought and need very little water.