When to plant Scabious in the UK

Sow seeds into modules from mid-March to mid-April, 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 early April to early May into small pots. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them growing on in good light.

Acclimatise the young plants from mid-April to early May by putting them outside for longer each day. This stops check when they go into the border and prepares them for cooler UK nights.

Plant out from mid-May to late 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 mid-June and keep going until late October. 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.