Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) in Zone 8a & 8b
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Yes, scabiosa (pincushion flower) grows in zones 8a and 8b. Start seeds indoors Feb 4–Feb 11 and plant out Apr 1–Apr 8.
When to plant scabiosa (pincushion flower) in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b 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 | Feb 4–Feb 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 30–Aug 6 (~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 8b
These go outside within two weeks of scabiosa (pincushion flower) in zone 8b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumApr 1–Apr 8
- MarigoldApr 1–Apr 8
- Ageratum (Flossflower)Apr 1–Apr 8
- AmaryllisApr 1–Apr 8
- Annual Geranium (Pelargonium)Apr 1–Apr 8
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)Apr 1–Apr 8
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 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Scabiosa (pincushion flower) needs about 120 days from transplant to first bloom.
Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) planting windows in every zone
Zone 8b 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 | 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 (your zone) | 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 →
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page also go to other retailers we may earn a commission from as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products with a clear consensus of positive, independent reviews, or ones we bought and use ourselves. Each item on our gear page says which.
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 8b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
%20in%20USDA%20zone%208b%3A%20when%20to%20start%20seeds%20indoors%2C%20when%20to%20direct-sow%2C%20and%20when%20to%20expect%20a%20bloom.)
Pin this for later
Growing Scabiosa (Pincushion Flower) in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
Save to Pinterest