When to plant Scabious in London

Sow seeds into modules from 18th February to 14th March, covering them with a light seed sowing depth of 0.5 cm. Keep the compost just moist and place the tray somewhere bright and cool for steady germination.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, move them on from 4th March to 11th April into small pots. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them growing on in good light.

Acclimatise the young plants through 4th April - 2nd May by putting them outside for longer each day. This avoids a check to growth when they go into the border and prepares them for cooler UK nights.

Plant out from 18th April to 2nd May once frosts have passed and the soil has warmed a little. Space plants 30 cm apart, water them in thoroughly straight away, and protect them from slugs and strong winds while they settle.

Start deadheading from 18th May and keep going until 10th November. Remove fading flowers regularly so the plant puts its energy into more blooms instead of setting seed, and keep the soil evenly moist in dry spells.