Scabious stellata 'Sternkugel' is one of the most fascinating flowers you can grow from seed. While its delicate creamy-white pincushion blooms are charming in their own right, it is the remarkable seed heads that have made this variety a favourite among florists, dried flower growers and garden designers.
As the flowers fade, they transform into intricate papery seed heads with a delicate geometric structure that resembles tiny lanterns or lace spheres. These architectural seed heads are highly sought after for both fresh and dried floral arrangements, bringing texture, movement and lasting interest long after many summer flowers have finished.
 
Easy to grow and flowering throughout summer, Scabious stellata 'Sternkugel' thrives in sunny, well-drained gardens and attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators while in bloom. The long, slender stems make excellent cut flowers, while the decorative seed heads can be harvested and dried for arrangements that last for months.
 
Perfect for cutting gardens, cottage gardens and naturalistic planting schemes, this unique annual provides interest through multiple seasons and is one of the most rewarding flowers to grow for anyone who loves creating beautiful bouquets.
 
Why you'll love it
Extraordinary papery seed heads for fresh and dried arrangements.
Delicate pincushion flowers loved by bees and butterflies.
Excellent cut flower with long, slender stems.
One of the very best flowers for drying.
Easy to grow from seed.
Adds unique texture and architectural interest to bouquets and borders.
 
When to Sow: Feb - Apr & Aug - September
 
HOW TO SOW: Sow under glass. Sow 3mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Ideal temp. 15-18°C. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on.
 
Classification: Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 2-3 Wks
 
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Clay/Chalk
Soil Acidity: Alkaline/ Neutral
Mositure: Well Drained
Care: Cut & Come Again. Pinching not Necessary
Use: Cut Flowers, Dried seed pods
Harvesting: When petals have dropped and the seed pod is fully formed
Days to Maturity: 90-100 Days
 
Vase Life: N/A
Height: 30CM
Plant Spacing: 15-20cm