Formula Mix Scabiosa Seeds

Scabiosa Formula Mix is all-star mix! Sturdy, uniform, blooms in a wide range of colors from black, blue, creamy yellow, pink, bright red, deep blue, salmon rose, and pure white. Start early in spring and transplant out for best results. We succession plant about every three weeks for continuous blooms.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Plant in early spring for blooms until late fall.

Zones 2-8

• Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant out after the danger of frost is gone.

Planting Scabiosa Seeds

• We recommend that you transplant scabiosa into the garden after beginning them in starter pots. Place the seed on top of quality seed starting soil. Barely cover them with soil, as they need light for germination. Mist gently to water the seeds. Do not water with a heavy spray as this will cover the seeds with displaced soil. If direct sowing is desired, plant in an irrigated place in the garden. Follow the same planting instructions as if you were planting them in starter pots or trays.
• Scabiosa seeds resemble a shuttlecock or cone-like shape in which seeds sprout from the back, rather than the point. Be sure not to plant the pointed part into the soil. Instead, plant seeds on their side.

Growing Scabiosa

• Scabiosa prefers full sun and well-drained soil. In warmer climates, partial afternoon shade is welcome. Once scabiosa is established, you will find that it is easy to grow and care for.

Growing Scabiosa in Containers

• If you are planting scabiosa in containers, make sure your container is at least 10″ deep. The larger the container, the more blooms you will get from your scabiosa. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.

Harvesting Scabiosa Flowers

• Scabiosa has beautiful 1 1/2″ to 2 1/2″ colorful blooms that hold well in flower arrangements. You can harvest these blooms when the flowers are almost fully open or when seed heads have formed but are still green. The flowers also dry well and last for extended periods of time.
• Do not wait too long to harvest. Seed heads will fall apart if centers have fully turned black or are already beginning to fall out.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In Zones 9 and 10, scabiosa will grow happily from early spring until late fall.
• Mulch heavily to ensure the soil stays cool and well-watered. Do not overwater once the plant has been established.
• DO NOT overhead water as this promotes disease.

Succession Planting Tips

• Plant more seeds every 2-3 weeks to guarantee a prolonged blooming period.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Scabiosa is a wonderful choice for any cut-flower or pollinator garden! At 2-3′ tall, it grows well in the back of beds and borders. Plant with other cut-flower garden favorites of differing heights. Sunflowers, zinnias, calendula, and cosmos are some of our favorite easy to grow cut-flowers. Search all our flower varieties here.
• The bright colorful blooms of Formula Mix Scabiosa are particularly striking when paired with the chartreuse green petals of Envy Zinnia.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out the in-depth information at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.