Scabiosa, commonly known as the Pincushion Flower, is a popular choice for gardeners due to its delicate, dome-shaped blooms and long flowering season. These graceful flowers, which come in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, add a soft, romantic texture to garden beds and make excellent cut flowers. For many home gardeners, propagating the plant from saved seed is a rewarding effort, but the appearance of the seeds themselves can be confusing. The process of saving Scabiosa seeds requires understanding the difference between the seed head and the actual kernel hidden inside.
Visual Characteristics of Scabiosa Seed Heads and Seeds
The most common source of confusion is the appearance of the seed head, which is the structure that remains after the petals have faded. This calyx is what many people initially mistake for the true seed, especially in varieties like Scabiosa stellata, which have a distinct, globe-like appearance. After the flower is spent, the base swells and dries into a papery, often light brown or tan, basket-like casing that protects the developing seed.
This dried, inflated seed head is typically oblong or spherical and often has small, hair-like or papery projections on its surface, resembling a miniature shuttlecock. This entire dried structure is not the viable seed. The true, plantable seed is housed within this papery covering and must be extracted for the best planting results.
The actual Scabiosa seed is a small, hard kernel found at the very base inside the papery calyx. While the outer casing is light-colored and airy, the inner seed is typically dark brown or black and possesses a more oval or teardrop shape. It is quite small, often significantly smaller than a grain of rice, and may have a slightly ridged or smooth texture depending on the specific species. For home collection, separating the true seed from the chaff is often necessary.
Collecting and Storing Scabiosa Seeds
Harvesting Scabiosa seeds should occur when the protective calyx has completely dried on the plant, turning a uniform brown or tan color and feeling crispy to the touch. Harvesting should be done on a dry day, ensuring the seed heads are not damp from rain or overhead watering. Once clipped, the seed heads can be dried further indoors for a few weeks to ensure all moisture has evaporated.
To access the plantable seed, gently crush or break apart the papery seed head, allowing the small, dark kernels to be released from the surrounding chaff. Separate these true seeds from the dried floral material for optimal long-term storage and easier sowing. The cleaned seeds should be placed in a paper envelope or a small jar, which helps prevent moisture buildup that could lead to mold. Storing the labeled container in a cool, dark, and dry location will maintain the seed’s viability until the next planting season.