- Scabiosa spp. (Pincushion Flower) | Key Growing Information
- Scabiosa caucasica (Caucasian Pincushion Flower) | Key Growing Information
- Getting Started in Cut-Flowers | Top 15 Cuts
- Cut-Flower Harvesting & Post-Harvest Care | Best Practices from Pros in the Slow Flower Community
- Pricing & Profitability for Flower-Farmers | Pointers from a Diversity of Pros
- Slow Flowers | Celebrating Fifth-Season Regional Design Elements
- Slow Flowers | Building a Better Market Bouquet | Tips & Techniques for Flower Farmers
- Succession-Planting Flowers | Scheduling & Planning, Sowing Frequency, Recordkeeping & Recommendations
- How to Air-Dry Cut Flowers | Easy Instructions from Johnny's
- Video: Tips & Recommendations for Dried Flowers • Tutorial with Joy Longfellow
Scabiosa spp. (Pincushion Flower) - Key Growing Information

SOWING: Transplant (recommended) - Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Barely cover as light aids germination. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. In the greenhouse, grow transplants at 50-55°F (10-13°C) to keep the plants from stretching. Harden off and transplant outside after the last frost. Direct seed - After last frost date. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until late spring give the best quality flowers and pods. May require support.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT: 24-36". Plant supports (such Hortonova used as a horizontal trellis) are required.
PLANT SPACING: 9-15".
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
HARVEST: Scabiosa atropurpurea: Flowers almost fully open. Scabiosa stellata: Fresh-cut or dried: Harvest when seed heads are light green with dark-bronze edges and the star-shaped centers are just turning black. If harvested after the centers have fully turned, or begun to fall out, the seed head will shatter and will not be useful.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Rich, well-drained soil.
USES: Excellent cut flower. Back of beds and borders.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Scabiosa atropurpurea, Scabiosa stellata
ALTERNATE NAME: Mourning bride, drumstick flower