I planted a packet of Scabiosa Pincushion Flower seeds. (planted directly in flower-bed) There is a lot coming up in the area that I planted, including what looks like grass. I want to pull up what's not suppose to be there but don't know what the Pincushion seedlings look like. Don't want to pull up the flowers! Help!
These will resemble lettuce with a serrated margin. A google search of scabiosa seedling will take you to results that will let you see what they look like.
It has got some powdered mildew also. The new leaves are a different shape. Do they start like that?
I can't get a really good look at those leaves but scabiosa does have a weedy looking leaf plus a fernier looking one. So I think you are OK. If a dandelion blooms, you will know for sure something else is coming up through.
I have had a mauve Scabiosa Caucasica for at least 10 years. It is one of my favourite perennials. However, I have never been successful in germination of its seeds. Since they never germinate in the garden, I've tried planting them in doors, under lights etc. But never any success. Do I need to cold stratify? They are not included in the article on your web site for seeds requiring cold stratification. Also, to cold stratify, is it necessary (a) that the seeds be soaked and (b) placed in a medium mixture of sand and peat when refrigerated? Could I just use a seedless soil mix?
They don't need cold stratification, according to seed companies. Plant them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. They need light to germinate so barely cover with seed starter mix. After the first true leaves appear, you can transplant to cell paks. Have you tried covering the seeds with plastic after their initial watering? They will form a mini greenhouse and you won't have to water so much. Soil should be moist till germination. After the seeds germinate, you can remove the plastic.
Last season I planted a field of scabiosa seeds and they all germinated. Will they return this season?
It depends on if you planted the Annual or Perennial type! Even if it is the Annual type, you may get some seeds that germinate next year.
Here is an article that will give you more information on the plant:
an Is this plant savable and what should I do?
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the issue in question.
There are two, most likely, scenarios.
Overwatering and underwatering are two very common reasons why a fresh planting will fail. It is important to let the soil dry out down to an inch or two between waterings with a fresh planting. After the recovery period, you can usually start watering even less than that.
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
Is this a weed?
It looks like scabiosa, or pincusion flower. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/scabiosa-atropurpurea/
I live in high elevation in Calif.
This may have a lot to do with moist soils. They do need to dry out between waterings, and only need extra during dry periods and drought. Otherwise, rainfall is usually enough.
I would recommend a fungicide and watering only when the soil gets dry down further than 4 to 6 inches. It is also worth noting that it is a must to keep the soil a little on the acidic side.
This article will help you with their care: