Members of the genus Scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea) are generally called pincushion flowers. Where their compound flowers sway atop wiry stems, these Mediterranean natives are completely at home in the butterfly garden. Long, grey stamens peek in the greater flower from each tiny bloom, producing the look of pins that are protruding. These crops will continue to create new flowers through the summer and fall when they have been deadheaded. The method may be complicated, because invested flower heads usually resemble blooms that are lively. However, using a sharp pair of scissors as well as a careful eye, it’s very simple to properly dead-head a pin cushion flower.
Check blooms occasionally to decide when they have been spent — aged pin cushion flower blooms seem related to lively blooms, but are lighter in colour and dry to the touch (seeds might drop out when the dried blooms are disturbed).
Cut the flower stems of blooms against the closest leaves or flower bud that is lively. Remove flowers you start with together with the final (top-most) bloom and work down toward the bottom of the plant. Cut the flower stalk prior to the idea if there’s only one flower on the stalk, where the leaves arise.
Place dried blooms apart in the event that you want to save seeds for the subsequent period, as you take them off. Cut the blooms discard the stems and stems. Rub the flowers between your palms above a paper sack that is open to produce the seeds.
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