Perennial Pincushion Flower
Fama Deep Blue Scabiosa is a frost-hardy, first-year flowering perennial that blooms reliably from summer through fall in zones 3-9, reaching 18-24 inches tall with deep blue pincushion flowers that last from June through November. This open-pollinated cultivar thrives in full sun with moderate water, making it both tough and undemanding. It flowers within 105-140 days from seed, giving gardeners blooms in their first season, and its compact growth habit and deer resistance make it a genuine workhorse for gardens seeking long-season color without fussing.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-3
24in H x 24in W
Perennial
High
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Deep blue flowers on a frost-hardy plant that blooms for six solid months across zone 3 winters and beyond. Gardeners prize this for cut flowers; the blooms open from tight buds over several weeks, extending vase life considerably. Pollinators flock to the distinctive pincushion blooms, and deer leave it entirely alone. From seed to first flower takes just over three months, so even zone 3 gardeners enjoy blooms in their first summer.
Fama Deep Blue Scabiosa excels as a cut flower, with catalogs specifically recommending harvest at bud stage or when half open to maximize vase life and allow blooms to open naturally indoors. It brings sustained color to garden beds and borders from early summer through late fall, and its nectar-rich flowers make it invaluable for supporting pollinators through the season.
Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Surface sow and barely cover seeds, as light is required for germination. Keep soil at 60-70°F during germination (some catalogs recommend 70-75°F for faster sprouting, which typically occurs in 10-14 days). Cover seeds lightly with vermiculite or use a humidity dome to maintain moisture. When first true leaves appear, transplant seedlings into cell packs.
Grow greenhouse transplants at 60-65°F to prevent premature flowering and poor garden performance. Harden off seedlings gradually before transplanting outside after your last frost date. Space plants 12 inches apart, though opinions vary on final spacing depending on desired density.
Direct sow after frost to early summer for flowers the following year. Surface sow and lightly press seeds into soil.
For cut flowers, harvest when blooms are at bud stage or half open. Cut stems in the morning when flowers are fully hydrated. The pincushion blooms will continue opening indoors over several weeks, extending vase life significantly.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming through fall. Cut flowers at bud stage or when half open for arrangements; this also doubles as pruning and extends the bloom season in the garden.
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