How hard are scabiosas to grow? I am trying to sprout some seeds now. Once they sprout, can I just plant them in a good potting soil? I have a lot of luck with Miracle Gro potting soil, but it has become too expensive. Can you suggest a more reasonable medium? Sincerely, Juliette
Ideally the soil that Scabiosa grows in should be humus rich, slightly moist and well draining. Regular potting soil should be just fine with the addition of compost or other organic matter.
I planted a scabiosa perennial in my flower garden and it was doing great but now it looks like its dying. I pulled off all the dead head blooms but now all the foliage has died and are turning brown. What's wrong and is there anything I can do?
Hopefully by comparing this article's suggestions to what your plant is getting, you can determine what needs to be changed: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
Are Scabiosas hard to grow? I live in Hawaii and have some rock soil. It's a blend of lava rock and dirt but holds water well. Any help at all will be greatly appreciated.
Growing Scabiosa, or pincushion flowers, is actually pretty simple. This article has some growing info that may help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
Blue Note Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa - We have a healthy deer population that roam freely. Will this be favorite or only if very hungry with other things around?
There can be a few different reasons and this article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/passion-flower/passion-flower-not-fruiting.htm
Black spots on Scabiosa leaves. What can I do about this black spot? What causes them? My plants are about three years old in this location. Is this a common problem with older Scabiosa plants?
This can become a problem if it is overly wet in your area for a long period of time. This can cause a wide range of infections in the plant. There are many remedies for this using copper sprays, but I use something a little different that works for a very broad range of infections.
Use just a little dolomitic lime, and wettable sulfur around your plant in the soil, and this will help. The sulfur will kill off the infection, while the dolomitic lime will restore the soil pH as it starts to break down. This will be about when the sulfur finishes.
This article will give you more information on the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
Wanted to know if I should spray with neem oil- I live in So California - zone 9
Neem oil will not be effective to control an existing scale infestation. It works best as a preventive, before and during the inmature "crawler" stage. Scale insect adults are protected from contact sprays. During an active infestation you neem to use a systemic insecticide.
I noticed that two of my scabiosa plants have white mildew and two next to them do not. We have had a great deal of rain this year and it is my understanding that scabiosas do not like too much moisture however why only two plants are affected? What advise can you offer? Thank you, Christina
Sounds like a case of Powdery Mildew.
This article will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm