How to Propagate and Grow
Scabiosa
Genus: Scabious
Family: Dipsacaceae
Species: S. atropurpurea
Common Names: Scabiosa, sweet scabious.
Classification: Hardy annual.
Height: Around 45cm (18inches).
Flowering: From summer to early autumn.
Usage: Ideal in borders. Very good as a cut flower.
Site: Scabiosa prefer full sun, they thrive in it!
Soil: Scabiosa prefer a rich soil which is free draining.
Propagation Methods: By seed, Spring or early autumn.
Preferred Propagation Method: Seed sowing outdoors achieves best results.
SCABIOSA PROPAGATION BY:
SEED SOWING
SOWING TIME: - Outdoors spring or early autumn.
EQUIPMENT FOR THE JOB:
*USE ONLY CLEAN EQUIPMENT *(BY DOING THIS IT WILL INCREASE YOUR PROPAGATION SUCESS RATE)
Silver sand (if you are marking out the sowing area).
Empty and dry used plastic water/lemonade bottle (to use for holding the silver sand if you are marking out the sowing area).
Labels.
Watering can.
TOOLS FOR THE JOB:
AS WITH ANY TOOLS - CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH THEIR USE - BE SAFE!
Rake.
SOWING THE SEEDS OUTDOOR
The area where you intend sowing your scabiosa seeds should have been previously prepared. (Dug over and fertilised at the end of the last season). Make sure you remove all weeds and large stones.
Rake over the surface of the soil until you have a nice fine tilth.
Now you can scatter sow or sow your scabiosa seeds in individual areas.
For scatter sowing just scatter your scabiosa seeds where you want them to grow. Sow the seeds thinly and lightly cover them with soil using your rake.
For individual area sowing mark out the sowing area with your silver sand, from the plastic bottle, and thinly sow your scabiosa seeds within the marked area.
All you have to do then is lightly cover your scabiosa seeds with soil using your rake. Whether scatter sowing or area sowing after lightly covering your seeds with soil make sure you label the area with plant type and sowing date.
And of course don't forget to carefully water the seeds in.
Use your watering can with a *fine rose, turned upside down, and gently water the areas you have sown. Do not flood the area or have the watering can too high, or your seeds will be washed away and uncovered.
*Take care with your watering.
*(By doing this correctly you will greatly increase your chance of success).
Aftercare Thin your scabiosa seedlings if group sown to allow about 10cm (4inch) between each plant. Early autumn sown scabiosa seeds will need cloche protection over the winter period.
If you have any queries or comments please feel free to
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