July is the perfect time to get your scabiosas started, and it's one of our favourite winter sowing moments of the year.
Scabiosa (pincushion flower) thrives with a cold winter period, so sowing now gives the seeds exactly the chill they need to wake up beautifully when spring arrives. Simple, satisfying, and so worth it.
How to get started
- Fill a seed tray or small pots with a quality seed-raising mix.
- Scatter your scabiosa seeds on the surface — they're small, so don't worry about spacing them perfectly.
- Cover with just a very light dusting of mix or fine vermiculite. Scabiosa needs a little light to germinate well, so keep that covering minimal.
- Water gently, then place the tray somewhere sheltered from heavy rain but still cool — a cold frame, a covered porch, or even just under the eaves works a treat.
Then the best bit: you just wait and let winter do the work. ☕🌧️
A few tips for success
- Keep the mix moist but never waterlogged
- No heat mat needed — cool is the goal!
- Expect germination as temperatures warm in late winter/early spring
- Prick out seedlings once they're big enough to handle
The reward? Beautiful pincushion blooms all season long — and they're exceptional as cut flowers, with long stems and a delicate charm that florists and market shoppers love. 💛
Ready to sow?
We stock scabiosa seeds perfect for winter sowing — browse the range at chbotanics.co.nz and get yours in the ground this July. 🌱
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