Scabioasa  'Drumsticks' Starflower 
Scabiosa stellata
Scabiosa atropurpurea
 
Unusual textural cut flower.
Tall Florist type scabiosa
Small, pale blue blossoms on wiry Sturdy tall stems transform into highly decorative, bronze-colored geometric and globe-shaped seed heads. Plants are grown primarily for the papery seed pods, which are useful for both fresh and dried bouquets. Also known as drumstick flower.
 
Details:
Plant life Cycle: annual
Site: Full sun
Height: 36-48"
Days to Germinate: 10-12 days
Days to maturity: 90-100 days
Plant spacing: 9-15"
Approx seeds per packet: 50
 
How to grow:
Transplant (recommended) - Sow 4-6 weeks before last frost. Barely cover as light aids germination. Transplant to cell packs or larger containers when the first true leaves appear. In the greenhouse, grow transplants at 50-55°F (10-13°C) to keep the plants from stretching. Harden off and transplant outside after the last frost. Direct seed - After last frost date. Successive plantings every 2-3 weeks until late spring give the best quality flowers and pods. May require support,such Hortonova used as a horizontal trellis.
 
Harvest:
Flowers almost fully open. Scabiosa stellata: Fresh-cut or dried: Harvest when seed heads are light green with dark-bronze edges and the star-shaped centers are just turning black. If harvested after the centers have fully turned, or begun to fall out, the seed head will shatter and will not be useful.
 
 
Vase Life:
Long vase life , 7-24 days