Field Scabious Seeds (Knautia arvensis)

A graceful, long-flowering perennial wildflower with soft lilac blooms held aloft on tall, slender stems. A favourite of pollinators and wildflower gardeners alike, it brings a natural elegance to meadows, margins and wildlife-friendly borders.

Key Features:

• Long flowering window from June through to September
• Tall, airy stems adding height in wildflower mixes
• Hardy perennial, reliably returning year after year
• Strong nectar value supporting many varieties of pollinators
• Approx. 130 seeds per 1g

Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) is one of the most iconic and beautiful wildflowers of British grasslands. Its soft lilac flower heads, reminiscent of old-fashioned pincushions, are carried on long, branching stems that sway gently with the breeze. It’s a plant full of lightness and movement, adding visual depth and natural charm wherever it grows.

Typically reaching heights of 60–100 cm, this is a tall but refined species that fits well in both naturalistic and more structured planting schemes. The leaves form a low, basal rosette in the first year, and from the second year onwards, it produces multiple flowering stems from early summer into early autumn.

Field Scabious thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, it’s particularly at home in chalky, sandy or loamy ground, though it will tolerate a range of conditions provided the soil is not too wet. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, low maintenance, and long-lived.

The flowers are highly attractive to insects, especially bees, hoverflies and butterflies. The long tubular florets are rich in nectar and are well-suited to species such as the Small Skipper, Marbled White and Meadow Brown butterflies. Allowing the seed heads to mature also provides food for birds and helps the plant naturalise gently across suitable ground.

Field Scabious can be sown either in spring (March to May) or early autumn (August to October). Autumn sowing tends to give the best results, as the seed benefits from a period of winter cold to help break dormancy.

Clear away any existing vegetation and lightly raking the soil to a crumbly texture, scatter the seed thinly and firm gently, this species prefers light exposure during germination, so avoid burying the seed too deeply.

In its first year, Field Scabious typically focuses on root and leaf development, with flowering often beginning in the second year. Patience is rewarded with a plant that will return for many seasons with minimal input.

This wildflower thrives in open, sunny positions and prefers soils that aren’t too rich. After flowering, you can leave seed heads for wildlife or cut back to encourage a tidy regrowth the following season.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Field Scabious is a wonderful addition to wildflower meadows, road verges, grassy banks, or as a feature in pollinator-friendly gardens. Its long flowering period offers a sustained nectar source, especially for long-tongued bees and butterflies. The tall stems provide perching points for insects, while the seed heads add late-season structure and winter food for birds.

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Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

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Q1: How tall does Field Scabious grow?

A: Typically between 60–100 cm, depending on soil and site conditions. It’s tall but not bulky, and adds elegant height to a wildflower mix.

Q2: When will it start flowering?

A: Field Scabious often flowers from its second year onwards. In its first year, it usually forms a rosette of leaves as it establishes.

Q3: Will it self-seed?

A: Yes, in open ground, Field Scabious may gently self-seed, helping to maintain its presence over time. You can also collect and re-sow seed if you wish to extend its spread.

Q4: Is it suitable for heavy clay soils?

A: It prefers well-drained soils and may struggle in heavy, waterlogged ground. If working with clay, improve the drainage or sow on slopes or lighter areas.