Field Scabious (National Trust)ScabiosaPincushion Flower

Direct sow Scabious seeds outdoors where they are to grow from September to October, for flowers in the following year. Choose a position in full sun on well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow seeds thinly on the soil surface. Do not cover the seed. Water the ground regularly, especially during dry periods. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out to 30cm (12”) apart.

Alternatively, sow Scabious in trays indoors from April to May. Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost and cover with a very light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) or seal it inside a polythene bag. Keep the soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light as this aids germination which usually takes 10 days to 3 months.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7cm (3") pots and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors. When Scabious plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days. Transplant outdoors in well drained, neutral to alkaline soil that is not excessively wet in winter, at a distance of 30cm (12") apart.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.