Scabious
Scabiosa spp.
A reliable half-hardy cottage-garden flower for UK borders and cutting. Sow under cover in spring or plant out young plants after the risk of frost, then keep them deadheaded for a long flowering season.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Scabious
Planting Calendar
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Sow Seeds Indoors
Sow seeds into modules from to , covering them with a light seed sowing depth of . Keep the compost just moist and place the tray somewhere bright and cool for steady germination.
Prick Out Seedlings
When seedlings are large enough to handle, move them on from to into small pots. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them growing on in good light.
Harden Off
Acclimatise the young plants from to by putting them outside for longer each day. This stops check when they go into the border and prepares them for cooler UK nights.
Transplant Outdoors
Plant out from to once frosts have passed and the soil has warmed a little. Space plants apart, water them in thoroughly straight away, and protect them from slugs and strong winds while they settle.
Deadheading & Maintenance
Start deadheading from and keep going until . 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.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Scabious.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Scabious to consider
Fama Deep Blue
Compact plants with rich blue flowers, useful for smaller borders and containers.
Pink Mist
Soft pink blooms on sturdy stems, good for a loose cottage-garden effect.
Black Knight
Dark maroon flowers with a long blooming period and good stems for cutting.
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Brussels Sprouts
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Calabrese
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