Knautia macedonica ‘Watercolours’ seeds – (Macedonian Scabious)

Description

This plant has a very long flowering season. Abundant flower heads in purple, mauve, red  and pink hues appear on its high stems from January  to March.

Knautia macedonica used to be known as Scabiosa rumelica.

It likes to  grow in well drained soil on the dryish side in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade. It can tolerate some  drought  once established

It is an easy care plant which attracts butterflies and bees.

Sowing advice

Indoors : Spring and early summer

Outdoors:  Autumn

Sow directly or under glass. It is easiest to sow directly in autumn as seeds require a period of cold to germinate. Surface sow, barely cover with soil or grit. Keep moist. Germination takes 14-21 days but can be erratic and take many months. Thin to final spacing of 50cm. If planting under glass a period of cold stratification ( put in a damp, folded  kitchen paper towel , seal  in a plastic bag and put in vege compartment or door of fridge) may be required prior to sowing, 4°C for 4 weeks. When germinated move to 8cm pots and grow on at 10°C. Acclimatise and plant out.