Paper Moon Scabiosa blooms on a white background.
An arrangement of Paper Moon Scabiosa on white background.
A close-up detailed view of fresh and dried Paper Moon Scabiosa blooms resting on rusty old pick-up truck.
A bee gathers pollen from a Paper Moon Scabiosa flower in the trial gardens at Baker Creek.
A close-up of a single dried Paper Moon Scabiosa in the trial gardens at Baker Creek in Mansfield, Missouri.
Close macro view of a couple of fresh Paper Moon Scabiosa flowers with a dried flower in the background.
Super close micro view of a dried Paper Moon Scabiosa.
Paper Moon Scabiosa blooms on a white background.
An arrangement of Paper Moon Scabiosa on white background.
A close-up detailed view of fresh and dried Paper Moon Scabiosa blooms resting on rusty old pick-up truck.
A bee gathers pollen from a Paper Moon Scabiosa flower in the trial gardens at Baker Creek.
A close-up of a single dried Paper Moon Scabiosa in the trial gardens at Baker Creek in Mansfield, Missouri.
Close macro view of a couple of fresh Paper Moon Scabiosa flowers with a dried flower in the background.
Super close micro view of a dried Paper Moon Scabiosa.

Scabiosa Seeds,
Paper Moon

4.56 Reviews#FL610 · 40 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.50
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Description

Attractive pale blue flowers are followed by cool, everlasting seed heads perfect for dried arrangements. This pest-tolerant annual plant is native to southern Europe.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Scabiosa stellata
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–21
Days to Maturity
84–98
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
9–15 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–70°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start Paper Moon indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Two weeks of cold stratification improves germination, so sow the flat, slip it into a bag, and refrigerate it moist for two weeks before bringing it out to warmth, where sprouts take 10 to 21 days. Sow a fresh round every 2 to 3 weeks until midsummer for the best blooms. Plants reach maturity in 84 to 98 days, spaced 9 to 15 inches apart in full sun.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. (Cold-stratifying in the fridge for 2 weeks improves germination.)
  • Sow near soil surface, barely covering seeds, as light aids germination.
  • Succession plant every 2-3 weeks until midsummer to provide the best blooms.

How to Grow

  • Annual to 2 feet.
  • Space plants about a foot apart in the bed.
  • Bloom season begins in early summer.
  • Remove spent blooms to prolong blooming season.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Add lime to strongly acid soils.
  • May require support.
  • Can be affected by common garden pests like aphids, slugs, spider mites, and thrips.

How to Save Seeds

  • Select the heads from which you wish to save seeds and allow them to dry. The spent flowers will dry up and fall off, leaving behind a pale green seed head.
  • Allow selected seed heads to dry on plant and turn brown.
  • Harvest the seed head when seeds begin to fall away. (Mature seed heads can be harvested early and hung to dry further until seeds begin to fall away.) Release the seeds from the seed head by squeezing/rubbing them between your fingers, or through other means of agitation. Winnow to separate chaff and dry further if necessary to ensure seeds are completely dry!
  • Store seeds in airtight containers.

FAQ

How deep should Paper Moon scabiosa seed be planted?

Sow it near the soil surface and barely cover it, no more than ¼ inch, as light aids germination.

What are the seed heads on Paper Moon used for?

The pale blue flowers are followed by cool, everlasting seed heads that are perfect for dried arrangements.

Do Paper Moon plants need support?

They may require support. Add lime to strongly acid soils.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 6 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Easy to start: High germination within ten days; strong seedlings.

  • Grown for the pods: Papery seed heads dry perfectly for winter arrangements.

  • Low maintenance: Grows well with neglect in small pots or a cut-flower patch.

More to grow!

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