field scabious

Water field scabious weekly, or whenever the soil feels dry 1-2 inches below the surface. Too much water can cause root-rot. To prevent this, make sure you allow adequate drainage and refrain from overwatering. It's also best to water in the morning, so the leaves have a chance to dry out before dark. This will help to prevent any fungal infections which can be caused by wet leaves at night.

Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) requires an average of 6 to 8 hours of full light per day distributed throughout 12 hours or so of daylight, with less light in summer in order to ensure blooms. It grows best in a sunny or semi-shaded position with adequate air flow. During the months of spring and summer, when days are long, it should receive most of its light during the morning and early to mid-afternoon. During the shorter days of fall and winter, it should receive most of its light mid-morning through mid-afternoon. The best light for field scabious is indirect or filtered light, as it can be susceptible to sunburn or scorch if exposed to too much direct light.

Field scabious (Knautia arvensis) should be pruned after flowering. This should be done by removing the stems of the spent flower heads to prevent self seeding and encourage stronger growth for the following season. It is recommended to delay pruning by a few weeks until all flowers have dried up and the stems have turned brown, which, depending on climate, may not be until mid-summer or even early autumn. Pruning should involve cutting back to the basal rosette of the plant, leaving the foliage intact. Such a process will stimulate the bushing out of new side stems and encourage a more compact, bushy habit. It is important to note that cutting back too much can stunt the growth of Field scabious.