Knautia arvensis
field scabious
Butterflies and bees will love the pincushion-like flowerheads of this native perennial, which appear over a long period from midsummer. An ideal candidate for wildflower meadows or mixed herbaceous borders, its flowers, which top tall, slender stems, will last well and look elegant when cut for the vase.
How to care for Knautia arvensis:
Knautia thrives in full sun with well-drained soil that has been prepared with well-rotted compost. Before the flowers appear, support the plant with twiggy pea sticks or brushwood to prevent flopping.
In autumn, cut the plant down to the ground and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to reduce the risk of mildew and retain moisture. Keep the plant well-watered, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth and prolonged flowering.
Good airflow around plant will reduce risk of mildew (as will keeping well watered during dry periods).
In autumn, cut the plant down to the ground and apply a mulch of well-rotted manure or compost to reduce the risk of mildew and retain moisture. Keep the plant well-watered, especially during dry periods, to ensure healthy growth and prolonged flowering.
Good airflow around plant will reduce risk of mildew (as will keeping well watered during dry periods).
Sowing instructions:
Knautia seeds require a period of moisture and cold to germinate and are easiest sown into pots in late autumn and left outside over winter for spring germination.
Alternatively, in spring, surface-sow onto moist, well-drained compost and moved to a cool location, such as a cold frame, for 2-3 weeks at around 39°F (4°C). Later sowings can be artificially stimulated by covering them with a polythene bag and placing in a refrigerator for a similar amount of time. Return to warmth at 64-71°F (18-22°C).
When germinated, transplant to pots and grow on at 10°C. Harden off and plant out.
Alternatively, in spring, surface-sow onto moist, well-drained compost and moved to a cool location, such as a cold frame, for 2-3 weeks at around 39°F (4°C). Later sowings can be artificially stimulated by covering them with a polythene bag and placing in a refrigerator for a similar amount of time. Return to warmth at 64-71°F (18-22°C).
When germinated, transplant to pots and grow on at 10°C. Harden off and plant out.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 25 seeds
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