how do i get seeds from a scabious??

[4390evans]

Got more flowers from bnq today one is a scabious ive already got bought seeds but wondering how i get seeds from the plant its self ?

Thanks guys n gals x

[Martin H]

It depends a bit on the variety, but once the flower goes over it starts to develop into a seed head made up of a lot of seeds clustered together. Each seed has its own wings or hairs or scales. A bit like a dandelion clock but more tightly packed and not as fluffy.

Anyway, collect the seed once it's dry and brown and before it falls off. If the weather is dry you can save effort by just tying a paper bag over them. A couple of flowers will give you more than you probably need, anyway.

I wouldn't bother trying to get the seed "wings" off the seed (if your variety has them), they'll grow just as well.

[4390evans]

fab, I only got it today and its at that stage now, although its still green. Im wanting as many as possible so I can give the bees as many filling flowers as possible. Ill keep an eye out for them going brown. Do these flowers come back every year or do they need re seeding?

[rustylady]

Some info here for you Evans Scabious information from Flowers.org.uk

I thought scabious was an annual (need to sow every year), but apparently there are perennial forms too.

I assume yours is a small plant? If so I would cut the dying flowers off for now to give it a chance to get established and produce more flowers.

[Two_Sheds]

Do these flowers come back every year or do they need re seeding?

Just let them self-seed ~ then you'll get lots of little plants that you can move to where you want them.