Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) in Zone 5a & 5b
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Yes, scabiosa (pincushion flower) grows in zones 5a and 5b. Start seeds indoors Mar 22–Mar 29 and plant out May 17–May 24.
When to plant scabiosa (pincushion flower) in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. It needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Mar 22–Mar 29 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 17–May 24 |
| Estimated bloom | Sep 14–Sep 21 (~120 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-2.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 5b
These go outside within two weeks of scabiosa (pincushion flower) in zone 5b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumMay 17–May 24
- MarigoldMay 17–May 24
- Ageratum (Flossflower)May 17–May 24
- Annual Geranium (Pelargonium)May 17–May 24
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)May 17–May 24
- Campanula (Bellflower)May 17–May 24
Scabiosa is the one most people know by its common name, pincushion flower, which describes it better than the botanical one does: a domed centre studded with pale stamens sitting on a ring of petals, on a stem thin enough that the flower nods when the wind gets up.
How scabiosa (pincushion flower) fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Scabiosa (pincushion flower) needs about 120 days from transplant to first bloom.
Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3a & 3b | Apr 11–Apr 18 | Jun 6–Jun 13 | Oct 4–Oct 11 |
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 22–May 29 | Sep 19–Sep 26 |
| 5a & 5b (your zone) | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 17–May 24 | Sep 14–Sep 21 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 2–May 9 | Aug 30–Sep 6 |
| 7a & 7b | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Aug 15–Aug 22 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jul 30–Aug 6 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | Jun 22–Jun 29 |
| 10a & 10b | Dec 12–Dec 19 | Feb 6–Feb 13 | Jun 6–Jun 13 |
Bloom dates are about 120 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
No well-established companions for scabiosa (pincushion flower).
Where to buy scabiosa seeds
Botanical Interests · High Mowing Organic Seeds (each supplier's scabiosa seeds)
Varieties we recommend, and where to get them:
- Black Knight: Almost-black flowers, 1.5-2.5 inches, on strong slender stems. Buy: Botanical Interests Full notes
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing scabiosa (pincushion flower)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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