With their natural charm and bright flower colors, scabioses (Scabiosa) fit into both naturally designed gardens and modern green spaces. The perennials can be easily propagated by seeds, which you can even harvest yourself.
How to harvest scabiosis seeds and how to propagate them?
The seeds of the scabiosis are nut-like fruits that you can harvest from the end of September by cutting off the dried flower heads. The scabiosis can be propagated by sowing from February in potting soil, where daily ventilation and indirect light are important.
What do the seeds of scabiosis look like?
Scabioses formnut-like, single-seeded fruits(Achaeans) withouter calyxandumbrellas. There These are relatively heavy and can only be tolerated in strong winds. Thanks to their small barbs, they stick well to animal fur and are spread further in this way.
How are the seeds of scabiosis harvested?
The seeds are harvestedbycutting off the dried,brown flower heads. from the end of September
The seeds are ripe when the base of the stem is also brownish in color. If this is not the case, place the dead flowers in a bowl and let them dry until the umbrellas fall off when touched.
Harvesting is even easier if you place small tea bags or organza bags over a flower head and close them tightly. As soon as the flower stalk turns brown, cut it off and shake the seeds directly into the bag.
Can scabiosis be propagated by seeds?
Bothannual and perennial scabiosescan be propagatedby seeds.
- Scabious flowers take a relatively long time to develop.
- The seeds are therefore sown from February onwards in trays filled with potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon).
- Cover with a very thin layer of substrate (light germinator) and moisten with a sprayer.
- Covering with foil or a hood promotes germination.
- Air daily to avoid mold formation.
- As soon as the second pair of leaves has formed, prick out.
Do the scabioses also self-seed?
Don't cut back the dead flower heads,velvetthe scabiosiswillingly. Just leave the plant to its own devices and you'll like it If you place them in their location, the seeds will sprout in spring and you can look forward to numerous scabious plants.
Tip
Only ripen scabious seeds when they are needed
If you don't want to harvest seeds, you should cut off the flowers immediately after they have faded. This prevents the perennial from putting all its energy into forming seeds. This means it blooms more abundantly and for longer.
