A Ritz Blue Scabiosa plant growing in small terra cotta pot on a white background.
A Ritz Blue Scabiosa plant growing in small terra cotta pot with a ruler to show size on a light background.
A Ritz Blue Scabiosa plant growing in small terra cotta pot on a white background.
A Ritz Blue Scabiosa plant growing in small terra cotta pot with a ruler to show size on a light background.

Scabiosa Seeds,
Ritz Blue

21 ReviewSKU: #FL654Min. seed count: 10
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Description

These lilac-blue colored, pincushion blooms have gorgeous blue overtones and attract gobs of butterflies! A top choice for landscaping, containers, meadows, and borders. Plants are compact, just 6 inches tall, and the flowers reach 12 inches tall. Ideal spacing is 10 inches apart.

Growing Tips: Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Barely cover, as light aids germination. Cold stratification for 2 weeks will improve germination. Plantings every 2-3 weeks until midsummer provide the best blooms. May require support.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Scabiosa japonica var. alpina
Life Cycle
Perennial
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
10–12
Days to Maturity
100–140
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
9–15 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Start Ritz Blue indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date; two weeks of refrigerator chilling beforehand improves germination, and the seed sprouts in 10 to 12 days. Ideal spacing is 10 inches apart, in full sun. It is a frost-hardy perennial in zones 4 to 9 and takes 100 to 140 days to reach maturity.

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 large do Ritz Blue plants get?

The plants themselves are compact at just 6 inches tall, with the flowers reaching 12 inches. It is a top choice for landscaping, containers, meadows and borders.

What color are the Ritz Blue blooms?

They are lilac-blue pincushions with gorgeous blue overtones, and they attract gobs of butterflies.

How deep should Ritz Blue seed go?

Barely cover it, ¼ inch at most. Sow near the soil surface, as light aids germination.
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