Scabiosa Seeds - Starflower
(Scabiosa stellata) Annual. 95 days to maturity.
Starflower have an unusual papery multi-dome shape made up of many cup shaped flowers. Turning bronze when dried the flowers make a lovely addition to dried flower arrangements!
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Seeding timing: Easy to grow. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Direct sow 1 to 2 weeks before last frost, or direct seed after last frost in successive planting every 2 to 3 weeks until late spring. Late spring is noted to be the best period to grow and collect Starflower flowers and pods. Lightly sow of moistened soil, cover to retain moisture and to protect seeds until germinated.
Germination: Surface sow to evenly moist soil, barely covered with 1/8" of soil. Light aids germination of Starflower. Keep soil moist during the germination period which may take 10-14 days. Daytime bottom heating of 20 degrees using a thermostatically controlled heating mat is beneficial, nighttime temp of 15. Heat mats only needed during germination period, too much heat after germination will cause plant stretch.
Growing: Indoors, pot up to a larger container after the first set of true leaves appear. Grow plants indoors before ready to harden off in temperatures ranging 13-15 degrees to prevent plants from stretching out.
Sun requirements: Prefers full sun, will tolerate partial shade.
Soil requirements: Rich and well-draining
When to Harvest: Pick stems when the seed heads are still light green, with darker edges. Ideally, the center of each star-shaped pod has just started to turn black.