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Seed Packet

Sweet Scabious 'Black Knight'

Scabiosa atropurpurea

Beloved since the early 1600s in England, when it was called Blackamoor's Beauty and Mournful Widow, a reference to the moody black-burgundy tones. The beaded buds open to a sumptuous puff of a flower that resembles satin pincushions studded with white-tipped pins. The honey-scented flowers attract bees and butterflies to your garden; cut, it lends depth to jewel-toned romantic bouquets.

SKU #S396

$4.50

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Details

Approximate Seeds Per Packet

Lifecycle

Annual

Annual Hardiness

Half Hardy Annual

Mature Size

2.5-3' h x 1.5' w

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Rich, moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline pH

Season

Summer to fall

Color

Dark maroon pincushion flowers

Features

Great Cut Flower

Deer Resistant

Attracts Butterflies

Attracts Bees

Attracts Hummingbirds

Attracts Beneficial Insects

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Depth:

Surface sow to barely cover (about 1/16”).

Sprout Time:

5-15 days

Seed To Bloom:

16 weeks

Starting Indoors:

Start indoors in pots 4-5 weeks before last frost. Cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite or a humidity dome to aid germination and keep at 65-70°F.

Starting Outdoors:

Direct sow 2 weeks before last springtime frost.

WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE

After last frost.

PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION

Sweet scabious's honey-scented pincushion blooms and decorative beaded buds are the joy of mid-summer to fall gardens, for they look pristine just when earlier bloomers start to fade. Grow in the cutting and meadow garden, where butterflies will be frequent visitors. Pinch when setting out and support young plants with twiggy brush and deadhead often for continuing bloom.

Final Spacing:

1-1.5'

Water Requirements:

Medium Water Use

Watering Details:

About 1" per week, though it will tolerate some drought once established.

Soil pH:

Neutral to alkaline.

Fertilizer:

Mix in about 2-4" of compost prior to planting outside.

Diseases & Pests:

Avoid powdery mildew by spacing properly and in a location that has good air circulation.

When to Cut for Bouquets:

Harvest when several flowers on a stem are freshly open.