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Seeds
Caprifoliaceae
Organic seeds
Pincushion flower 'Black Knight' organic
Scabiosa atropurpurea
Product code : TOURNE-0141
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ is an organic, open-pollinated variety that helps gardeners plan a crop suited to Canadian conditions. Its profile works well in flower beds, borders, and bouquets. The sowing, growth, and care information on this page makes it easier to choose a location and monitor the plants throughout the season. Its strong, slender stems are especially useful in elegant, high-contrast bouquets. Tourne-Sol supplies 60 seeds of this dark-flowered scabiosa for borders, seasonal arrangements, and a dedicated cutting group. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. The nearly black pincushion blooms create dramatic contrast in sunny borders and seasonal arrangements.
- Quantity
- 60 seeds
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Annual
Discover the plant
Common namePincushion flower ‘Black Knight’
FamilyCaprifoliaceae
GenusScabiosa
Speciesatropurpurea
CultivarBlack Knight
TypeSeeds
Botanical nameScabiosa atropurpurea
Reproducible seedsYes
Pincushion flower 'Black Knight' organic (Scabiosa atropurpurea) is an organic, open-pollinated variety grown for slender stems and very dark burgundy blooms. Its approximate 95-day maturity and optional sowings every two to four weeks help plan a succession of dark flowers. The format is intended for gardeners who want a methodical approach while keeping enough flexibility to adapt to Canadian growing conditions. Successive sowings and regular stem harvests extend the display of its nearly black flowers. Tourne-Sol supplies 60 scabiosa seeds of this dark-flowered scabiosa for borders, seasonal arrangements, and a dedicated cutting group. The almost-black colour is especially visible beside pale flowers.
This variety prefers full sun. It grows best in living soil that drains excess water without drying too quickly. Its growth rate depends on available warmth and light. For best results, keep moisture even during germination, then water more deeply once the plants are established. Suitable spacing and good air circulation also support healthy, balanced growth. Sow close to the surface with only a very light covering, maintaining steady moisture until seedlings become visible. Start indoors six weeks before transplanting, then acclimate the seedlings and plant outside after local frost danger has passed. Label successive sowings to compare their flowering dates under local conditions.
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ ( Scabiosa atropurpurea ) fits easily in flower beds, borders, and seasonal bouquets. Its stated height is about 60 to 90 cm. It can be paired with plants that share similar light and watering needs, which makes routine care easier. Monitor flowering regularly and remove faded blooms when that practice suits the variety. Put a working path beside the group so selected stems can be reached without crushing neighbouring flowers or foliage. Leave some open flowers outside while gathering the strongest stems, so the border retains its dark floral accents. Leave several blooms outdoors for pollinators while gathering stems for bouquets.
Sowing guide
It all startswith a seed.
Sowing depth
Surface sow and barely cover, about 1.5 mm (1/16 in)
Spacing / density
23 to 38 cm (9 to 15 in) between plants
Germination temperature
18 to 21°C (65 to 70°F)
Germination time
10 to 12 days
Sowing period
Start indoors 6 weeks before transplanting. Plant after the last frost. Frost tender
Propagation
Seed
Growing method
To grow Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’, start indoors six weeks before transplanting, then acclimate the seedlings and plant outside after local frost danger has passed. Keep the seedbed evenly moist without saturating it. Once seedlings emerge, abundant light helps produce compact, balanced plants. The crop prefers full sun. Transplant gently when needed to protect the roots. In the garden, spacing should reflect mature size and air circulation. Water at soil level to limit splashing on the foliage. Development remains influenced by temperature and day length. Label each sowing to compare emergence and flowering under the conditions in your garden. Start indoors six weeks before transplanting, then acclimate the seedlings and plant outside after local frost danger has passed. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. This practical approach works well for both first-time gardeners and people with an established vegetable garden. Successive sowings can be considered when the growing season, available space, and crop type make them appropriate. A light mulch can help stabilize soil moisture while reducing competition from unwanted plants. Harvest or flowering can be monitored regularly so the variety can be enjoyed at its best stage.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Care level
Easy
Watering
Water Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ to maintain even moisture during germination, then provide deeper soakings after establishment. The surface may dry slightly between waterings, but the root zone should not dry out completely. Morning watering at soil level reduces losses and helps keep the foliage dry. Check moisture near the roots before watering again. Morning watering at soil level helps the foliage dry promptly.
Soil type
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ prefers loose, fertile, well-drained soil that holds even moisture without remaining waterlogged. Mature compost improves structure and supports soil life. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix instead of dense garden soil. Good drainage protects roots during periods of heavy summer rain. Regular observation of the soil, foliage. Avoid low areas where water remains after rain.
Fertilization
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ benefits from soil amended with mature compost before planting. A light, balanced fertilizer can be added if growth slows or the crop remains in a container for an extended season. Avoid excess nitrogen, which may favour foliage over flowering. Firm flowering growth is preferable to foliage encouraged by excessive nitrogen. Rich soil generally needs only modest additional feeding during the flowering season.
Seasonal care
Early in the season, Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ benefits from stable sowing conditions and even moisture until germination. Young plants need sufficient light and protection from abrupt temperature changes. After establishment, watering can become deeper and less superficial, depending on weather and soil texture. A light mulch helps conserve moisture during warm periods. Remove competing weeds without disturbing the roots. Monitoring bloom development makes it possible to remove faded flowers when that practice benefits the variety. Healthy residues can be composted at the end of the season, while plants showing unusual symptoms are removed from the garden. Regular stem cutting supports production and keeps the flowers accessible. Put a working path beside the group so selected stems can be reached without crushing neighbouring flowers or foliage. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. This practical approach works well for both first-time gardeners and people with an established vegetable garden. Successive sowings can be considered when the growing season, available space, and crop type make them appropriate. A light mulch can help stabilize soil moisture while reducing competition from unwanted plants. Harvest or flowering can be monitored regularly so the variety can be enjoyed at its best stage. Results may vary with temperature, light, soil conditions, and the specific microclimate of each garden. Mark several healthy flower heads if seed saving is planned at the end of the season.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
10 to 20 L (2.5 to 5 gal) container with good drainage
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ can be grown in a container when the soil volume matches its development and the pot has effective drainage holes. A loose, high-quality mix enriched with organic matter provides a sound base. Place the container where it receives full sun, while keeping it accessible for moisture checks. Potting mix dries faster than garden soil, especially during hot or windy weather. Water thoroughly, then allow all excess water to drain. Light feeding may support continued growth if the mix becomes depleted. The stated height of About 75 to 90 cm helps guide the choice of a stable container and suitable location. A stable, deep container makes moisture and flowering stems easier to manage. Start indoors six weeks before transplanting, then acclimate the seedlings and plant outside after local frost danger has passed. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established. This practical approach works well for both first-time gardeners and people with an established vegetable garden. Successive sowings can be considered when the growing season, available space, and crop type make them appropriate. A light mulch can help stabilize soil moisture while reducing competition from unwanted plants.
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
About 60 to 90 cm
Width / spread
About 30 cm
Flower color
Very dark burgundy
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Herbaceous
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Upright and floriferous
Bloom period
Flowering in Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ depends on sowing date, warmth, light, and garden conditions. Regular observation makes it easier to follow bud development and, when appropriate for the variety, remove faded blooms to extend seasonal interest. Nearly black flowers appear throughout summer on strong, slender stems. Leave some open flowers outside while gathering the strongest stems, so the border retains its dark floral accents. Regular cutting encourages plants to continue producing stems.
Days to maturity
95 days
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ can be paired with plants that require comparable light, soil, and watering. Groupings are easier to maintain when each plant keeps enough space and receives sufficient light. Suggested companions are primarily planning tools; undocumented incompatibilities should not be treated as absolute rules. Choose full-sun neighbours that share its drainage and watering needs. Put a working path beside the group so selected stems can be reached without crushing neighbouring flowers or foliage. For best results, choose a suitable location and keep moisture steady while the plants become established.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
How should Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ be sown?
Sow Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ in a light, moist medium at the depth shown on the packet or in the technical information on this page. Keep moisture steady until emergence without saturating the mix. Once seedlings appear, abundant light supports compact growth. Start indoors six weeks before transplanting, then acclimate the seedlings and plant outside after local frost danger has passed. After emergence, thinning keeps the best-positioned seedlings and limits competition. Record the sowing date to adapt the schedule to local conditions. Barely cover the seeds because light supports germination. For depth, surface sow and barely cover, about 1.5 mm (1/16 in).
What exposure is suitable for Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’?
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ prefers full sun. Light quality directly affects vigour, flowering, or production. An open site generally improves air circulation and makes plants easier to monitor. In a very warm garden, light protection during the hottest hours may suit crops that tolerate partial shade, but it does not replace the species’ basic light requirements. Keep the soil loose, well drained, and evenly moist. In containers, orientation and heat reflected from nearby walls may change watering needs quickly. Full sun and well-drained soil support sturdy flowering stems. Start indoors six weeks before transplanting, then acclimate the seedlings and plant outside after local frost danger has passed. Avoid low areas where water remains after summer rain.
When does Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ flower?
Flowering time for Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ varies with sowing date, warmth, day length, and exposure. Established plants grown in well-drained soil with suitable light generally form buds more evenly. The usual bloom period remains a guide because local weather can move flowering earlier or later. Frequent observation helps gardeners catch the best stage for bouquets, when the crop is used as a cut flower, or monitor visiting insects. Regular harvesting renews flowering stems through summer. Regular harvesting renews flowering stems through summer. Nearly black flowers develop through summer, while regular harvesting encourages additional stems under favourable conditions. Timing varies locally.
Can Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ be grown in a container?
Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ can be grown in a pot when the container provides enough depth and volume for its roots. Drainage holes are essential, along with a quality mix that remains aerated after watering. Place the container where it receives full sun, and keep it accessible for moisture checks because pots dry faster than garden soil. Water thoroughly and allow excess moisture to drain completely. Light feeding may be helpful over a long season. Mature size guides the choice of diameter, stability, and any support the plant may require. A deep, stable pot reduces rapid drying and tipping. Never leave the container standing in a full saucer.
Are Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ seeds organic and open-pollinated?
Yes. Ferme Tourne-Sol presents the seeds for Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ as organic and open-pollinated. They can therefore be saved when the plant completes its cycle and pollination is managed to preserve the variety. Seed saving still requires attention to isolation distance, a suitable plant population, and the correct maturity stage. Some species cross readily with related varieties growing nearby. For a first attempt, label plants clearly, observe flowering, and dry harvested seed completely before storage. Allow several flower heads to dry completely when saving seed. Keep selected seed heads marked so they remain on the plants while other stems are gathered for arrangements. Store fully dry seed in a labelled envelope protected from heat and humidity.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
The flowers of Pincushion flower ‘Black Knight’ may provide resources for visiting insects when nectar or pollen is accessible. Actual activity varies with region, bloom period, weather, and the diversity of neighbouring plantings. Tourne-Sol describes this scabiosa as a pollinator favourite. Activity varies with local weather and surrounding floral diversity.
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