When to plant Scabious in Nottingham

Sow seeds into modules from 6th March to 30th 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 20th March to 27th 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 20th April - 18th 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 4th May to 18th 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 3rd June and keep going until 7th 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.