Sundae Flower Seeds

🌺Flowers naturally form into balls, one by one flower stamens dotted on the petals, like the fine sugar on the sundae ice cream, hence the name "sundae flower". It is an annual or short-lived, bushy perennial with richly colored pincushion-like flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), from late spring to fall. Borne atop long, wiry stems, each flower features pale burgundy, ruffled outer petals surrounding a dark burgundy domed center, adorned with contrasting white stamens. The nectar rich blossoms are loved by butterflies, hummingbirds and pollinating insects.

🌱Originally from southern Europe, it can withstand low temperatures of -20 degrees, and there is no pressure in the open winter in the north. It is a seed player of cold-resistant plants in autumn and winter. Sundae flowers have a long flowering period, a single flower can be opened for ten days, after pruning into a bouquet, can be inserted for more than half a month. A very attractive Pincushion Flower for garden borders that will also provide you with some wonderful cut flowers.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall (45-60 cm) and 9-12 in. wide (22-30 cm). May self-seed in satisfactory growing conditions.
• Thrives in full sun in moderately fertile, medium moisture, neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. This plant has a tendency to flop when grown in overly rich soils. Protect from winter wet. Intolerant of high heat and humidity. Drought tolerant.
• Vital ingredient of beds and borders, cottage gardens, coastal gardens, city gardens, prairies or containers. Excellent cut flowers!
• Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds but is ignored by deer.
• Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring.
• Deadheading will extend the bloom season. Cut down in fall.

HOW TO GROW

SOWING INSTRUCTIONS

Depth: Surface sow to barely cover (about 1/16”).
Sprout Time: 5-15 days
Starting Indoors: Start indoors in pots 4-5 weeks before last frost. Cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite or a humidity dome to aid germination and keep at 65-70°F.
Starting Outdoors: Direct sow 2 weeks before last springtime frost.
When to Set Outside: After last frost.

PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION

Sweet scabious's honey-scented pincushion blooms and decorative beaded buds are the joy of mid-summer to fall gardens, for they look absolutely pristine just when earlier bloomers start to fade. Grow in the cutting garden and meadow gardens where butterflies will be frequent visitors. Support young plants with twiggy brush and deadhead for continuing bloom.
Final Spacing: 1-1.5'
Water Use: Medium Water Use
Watering Details: About 1" per week, though it will tolerate some drought once established.
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline.
Fertilizer: Mix in about 2-4" of compost prior to planting outside.
Diseases & Pests: Avoid powdery mildew by spacing properly and in a location that has decent air circulation.
When to Cut For Bouquets: When flowers are halfway open