Scabiosa: How to Grow Pretty Pincushion Flower

Photo by: MacBen / Shutterstock.

When to plant:

In early spring, after the last frost date. In areas with mild winters, you can also plant Scabiosa seeds in late fall for flowers the following season.

Where to plant:

Pincushion flowers will bloom best in a site that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily), but will appreciate some afternoon shade during the heat of the summer. Because they prefer cool conditions, plants may struggle if grown in an extremely hot, humid climate.

How to plant:

You can plant pincushion flowers from nursery transplants or seeds. If you choose to grow them from seed, start them indoors under grow lights 4 to 6 weeks before the average last frost date in your area or sow them directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil (about 1/4 inch deep) and keep them evenly moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate.

In the garden, space transplants or thin seedlings to a spacing of at least 12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.

Soil:

Prefers well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Good soil drainage is essential, since root rot may occur in overly wet soil. Scabiosa plants are particularly intolerant of wet soil during winter and tend to be short-lived.

Watering:

Keep your pincushion flowers well watered during the first year after planting, giving them at least an inch of water a week. Older, established plants are more drought tolerant, but will still appreciate regular watering during prolonged dry spells. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well drained and don’t allow it to become soggy. Pincushion flowers don't like getting wet feet.

Amendments and fertilizer:

Because Scabiosa grows best in fertile, well-draining soil, amend it at planting time with compost to improve drainage and add nutrients, especially if you have heavy clay soil. Also apply a layer of mulch around the root zone of your plants to help keep the soil moist and insulate the roots from temperature extremes.

Although pincushion flowers are light feeders, a bimonthly application of a balanced fertilizer for flowering plants will help keep them blooming throughout the season.

Pruning and deadheading:

To promote new blooms and keep your Scabiosa looking fresh, remove the spent flowers by clipping the stems down to the basal foliage (the leaves that grow from the base of the plant). Pruning is generally not required, unless you want to encourage fuller growth or remove dead or damaged foliage.

Harvesting flowers:

For the longest vase life (a week to 10 days), harvest your pincushion flowers when they are still in the bud stage or just beginning to open. If you’re harvesting the seedheads for dried floral arrangements, cut the seedheads while still fresh and then hang them to dry.

Propagating:

Can be propagated by seed or division. Divide perennial types every 3 to 4 years or whenever they become crowded and bloom production dwindles. The best time to divide plants is in early spring. (*See note below on propagating or dividing patented plants. Check your plant tags for the ® or ™ symbol by the plant name.)

Winter care:

For perennial varieties, cut the stems back to the bottom leaves in the fall and protect plants with a light layer of mulch, such as shredded leaves, hay, or evergreen boughs. Do not cut back into the basal foliage, which will remain evergreen to semi-evergreen for most of the winter. In early spring, before new growth begins, you can remove any dead outer leaves.

Pests and diseases:

Generally pest-resistant and disease-free, although they may succumb to powdery mildew during periods of high humidity. To help prevent fungal diseases, avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants.