Scabiosa stellata

DRUMSTICK MOONFLOWER

No WA

Scabiosa stellata
DRUMSTICK MOON FLOWER

Lovely pincushion blooms of white, with the palest blue flush, give Scabiosa stellata the common name of Moonflower.
Not permitted for WA

Flowers the colour of moonlight & drumstick seed heads

Moonflower is a fitting common name because the pincushion flowers really do have the soft and ethereal colour of moonlight.
But the Drumstick part of the name is also just as apt, because the greatest beauty comes after the flowers with the seed heads, which resemble dried papery, everlasting drumsticks, borne on long, clean stems perfect for cutting.

Superb commercial quality cut flowers

So professional florists will give their eye teeth (or lots of dollars) for a bunch of elegant Drumsticks from Scabiosa stellata.
Because they are stunning for stylish vases, bridal bouquets and everlasting dried arrangements.

Hardy & easy to grow

Scabiosa stellata is highly desirable, but dead easy to grow in the garden, and quick & easy to raise from seed.
Because it is a hardy & easy to grow annual, which quickly comes to bloom from seed.
So plant in Full Sun in the garden.
Where it is water-wise and undemanding.
But do not overfertilize Scabiosa stellata, so you encourage more flowers to come earlier, and more importantly to turn into more seed head drumsticks.
So it is very long blooming (and drumstick making) over summer & autumn.

Bunny & Deer resistant

And happily our dreaded foes the rabbits and deer do not have it high on their menu list.

45cm High in bloom x 30cm Wide foliage rosette.  

SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Sow seed of Scabiosa stellata at any time of year in punnets indoors / or scatter in garden in autumn, winter or early spring ready for summer blooming.

Sow indoors for quick plants & early flowers: Sow seed in punnets on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then gently press the seeds onto the surface of the mix to ensure good contact.
But barely cover the seed with 2mm of mix/ sand/grit, as the seeds need light to germinate.

Now place the sown punnet in a warm, well-lit position (but not in direct sunlight.
And keep moist but not wet.

Temperatures of 15-21°C approx. are best for optimum and rapid germination.
You can use a temperature controlled heat mat if you have one, but this is not essential.
As these are seeds which are quick and easy to germinate.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 7-21 days.

If the seeds are shy to germinate – then they need a period of chilling to mimic winter, and break their dormancy.
So cling-wrap the moist sown punnet (or place in a plastic bag).
Then place the wrapped punnet in the fridge (not freezer) for 4-6 weeks.
Finally remove from the fridge, unwrap the punnet and return it to a warm, well-lit position, and keep moist.

Seed Count: 15 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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