(Cephalaria gigantea) Native to moist meadows and mountain pastures from the Caucasus to Siberia, this scabiosa relative is a botanical marvel. Towering plants (over 8’!) with long wiry stems and pale yellow/chartreuse pincushion type blooms sway in the breeze and attract bumblebees in droves. Beautiful unique color as a cut with spectacularly long stems to 36”. Wonderful as a tall and lively border or for filling a corner of the garden. It's mildly shocking that this is not more widely available as seed here in the US. It was one of our best discoveries of the past years. Rare.
Perennial. Blooms the second year and thereafter. UO

Packet: 20 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out after last frost.

Direct sow after last frost.

Note: Germination can be tricky. Patience! Blooms 2nd year.

PLANTING DEPTH:

Cover seeds very lightly

SPACING:

15-18"

EMERGENCE:

10-12 days @ soil temp 65-70F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Average-high. Tolerant to most soil types but prefers well-drained and evenly moist soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Loved by pollinators!

While their stems are very sturdy, they can grow to 8'! Staking keeps them upright and tidy.

Cut when flowers are in bud stage or just opening and expect a vase life of a week.

Scabiosa, 'Giant Yellow'