A cottage garden favorite, Dark Night's buds resemble jeweled Victorian brooches that unfurl into densely petaled, frilled, "pincushion" shaped flowers. Planted in sunny borders, the blossoms attract a myriad of pollinators throughout the summer, especially Monarch, Fritillary and Skipper butterflies. With their deep, rich color and intricate form, Dark Night is a wonderful color accent in bouquets. Flowers also air dry easily for everlasting arrangements.
Renee's Garden Dark Night Scabiosa Seeds, Per Package
TO START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in a well-drained, prepared garden bed in full sun as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Space seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in rows a foot apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep seed bed moist until seedlings emerge in 12 to 15 days. Weed carefully and keep well watered. Thin sturdy seedlings to 12-15 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Plant in early spring to get sturdy plants that will flower throughout the summer and fall. Curving wiry stems are part of this plant's character; support them for best flowering displays.
Cut often for bouquets and to produce more blossoms. In mild winter areas, they are a short-lived perennial and will overwinter to bloom a second season.
