How to Grow Scabiosa, Pincushion Flower

Perennials and Annuals, Scabiosa Caucasica

Scabiosa, commonly called Pincushion Flower, is an attractive and popular flower. Pincushion Flower gets its name from its flower. The center of the bloom resembles a pin cushion. The stamen in the center look like pins.

Pincushion Flower is native to Asia and Europe.

Pin cushion flower plants have lush, gray to blue-green, evergreen foliage. Delicate flowers will bloom from spring thorough mid-fall, if you deadhead spent blooms. Flowers grow atop tall, strong stems, making them good cut flowers. They also make good dried flowers.

Flower colors include: white, blue, pink, red, violet, and yellow.

Grow Scabiosa in small groupings in flower beds, as borders, as a container plant, and in rock gardens.

Scabiosa attracts butterflies.

Plant Height: 2 to 3 feet

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Plant Propagation:

Pincushion Flowers are grown from seeds. With a long germination period, we recommend starting them indoors, 4-6 weeks before the last frost in your area.

You can also directly sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has past, and the soil begins to warm. Plant no more than 1/4" deep. Mark the planting site.

After 3-4 years, Scabiosa plants should be divided and replanted in the spring.  If plant is not divided, production will dwindle, and the plant will die. Dig up the crown. Cut or break the crown into 3 parts. Then, replant.

Space plants 12 inches apart.

Days to Germination: seeds sprout in 10 - 30 days.

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How to Grow Scabiosa Pincushion Flower:

Plants are easy to grow. They need little attention during the year. Plants do not like cold or hot, humid weather.

Grow plants in full sun to light shade.

Scabiosa plants like rich, organic, well drained soil.  Ideal soil pH: 6.0 - 7.5..

Mix compost into the planting site, when first planting or when dividing and replanting crown.

Keep soil moist not wet. Apply extra water during droughts and hot weather.

Fertilize once in the spring with a general purpose fertilizer, after plants have begun to grow. Fertilize again in early summer.

Mulch around plants to keep weeds down, and for a neat and tidy appearance.

Deadhead spent blooms as soon as they have died off. This will prompt the plant to produce new blooms all season long.

Days to Germination: 10 - 30 days

Flowers Bloom: Spring through mid-Fall

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Insects and Disease:

Pin Cushion Flower is seldom are bothered by insects and disease. Generally, these plants do not need insecticides or fungicides.

If insect or disease problems occur, treat them early with an insecticidal soap and /or fungicide.

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