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Trio of Black Knight Scabiosa on a white background.
A micro close-up view of a Black Knight Scabiosa flower growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.
An arrangement of Black Knight Scabiosa on a white background.
A single Black Knight Scabiosa flower on a white background.
Several Black Knight Scabiosa with stems arranged on a white background.
A Black Knight Scabiosa bloom rest solitary on a white background.
Trio of Black Knight Scabiosa on a white background.
A micro close-up view of a Black Knight Scabiosa flower growing in the gardens at Baker Creek.
An arrangement of Black Knight Scabiosa on a white background.
A single Black Knight Scabiosa flower on a white background.
Several Black Knight Scabiosa with stems arranged on a white background.
A Black Knight Scabiosa bloom rest solitary on a white background.

Scabiosa Seeds,
Black Knight

SKU: #FL1058
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Min. 40 seeds

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Description

This dark beauty brings a touch of drama with its deep, velvety maroon blooms, almost black in their richness. Soft speckles of whitish-pink pollen dot the long stamens, adding a subtle contrast to the striking pincushion flowers. Standing tall on slender stems, they start blooming in early summer and keep going until frost, drawing in butterflies and making gorgeous cut flowers. Easy to grow in sunny, well-drained soil, ‘Black Knight’ is perfect for borders, bouquets, and pollinator patches, an undeniable standout in the flower bed.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Life Cycle
Annual
Days to Germinate
10–20
Days to Maturity
90–100
Planting Depth
Surface sow
Plant Spacing
12–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70°F

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Start Black Knight indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date, chilling the seed in the refrigerator for two weeks beforehand to improve germination. Surface sow rather than burying the seed, since light aids germination, and sprouts come in 10 to 20 days. Move the plants out after frost danger has passed. They mature in 90 to 100 days and bloom from early summer until frost.

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 far apart should Black Knight be planted?

Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in full sun. They are tall, over 36 inches, on slender stems, and may require support.

What do the Black Knight flowers look like?

They are deep, velvety maroon, almost black in their richness, with soft speckles of whitish-pink pollen dotting the long stamens of the pincushion blooms.

Is Black Knight good for cutting and for pollinators?

Yes. It draws in butterflies and makes gorgeous cut flowers, and it is perfect for borders, bouquets and pollinator patches.

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