How to Grow Scabiosa in Florida

Water the pincushion flower when the top 1 inch of soil becomes dry. Apply water from a garden hose directly to the ground surrounding the plant. Water the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches to moisten the entire root zone. Water the plant during the morning hours to allow moistened foliage time to dry before nightfall, a process that will prevent mold and fungal diseases from forming. Never over-water to the point that the soil becomes soggy.

Mix 1 tablespoon of 20-20-20 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium water-soluble fertilizer with 1-gallon water in a watering can. Stir the solution until the fertilizer dissolves completely. Pour the fertilizer onto the ground around the pincushion flower at a rate of 1 2/3 cups for every square foot of soil. Apply the fertilizer once per month during the active growing season.

Deadhead pincushion flowers once their color fades and they begin to drop petals. Cut through the flower stalk with a pair of pruning shears, 1/4-inch above the point where it joins with the main plant.

Check the foliage and flower stems for the presence of caterpillars, slugs, snails or holes, a sign of their feeding. Fill a small bucket with soapy water. Handpick the feeding caterpillars off the plant and place them in the soapy water to eradicate them. Set snail and slug traps around the pincushion flower to deter these pests.

Dig up and replace the pincushion flower every one to three years, once it stops blooming or dies back. Dig in a circle around the plant with a shovel or trowel, at least 6 inches from its outer stems. Dig down to a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Push the shovel horizontally across the bottom of the root ball to cut the plant from the ground. Brush off excess soil from around the roots, pushing it back into the planting hole. Discard the plant on a compost pile or in a trash bin.