Heirloom

Fama Deep Blue

Scabiosa caucasica

Photo: DoF CC-BY-X · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY 3.0)

Elegant 2 1/2-3 1/2" blooms with long, clean, wiry stems and good vase life. Perfect for cutting. Seed pods can be used to add whimsy and interest to mixed bouquets. Produces all summer long. Also known as sweet scabious, Caucasian pincushion flower, and perennial Scabiosa. Perennial in Zones 3-7.

Harvest

105-140d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

4–11

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

2.5 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Fama Deep Blue in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Fama Deep Blue · Zones 4–11

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilWell-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-7.5)

WaterModerate — regular watering

SeasonPerennial

ColorLavender-blue

Size2 1/2-3 1/2"

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Fama Deep Blue rewards patience and good site preparation. Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and excellent drainage — scabiosa absolutely will not tolerate wet feet, especially over winter. If your soil is heavy clay, amend generously with compost and coarse sand, or build a raised bed. The plant prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5–7.5); if your soil tests acidic, work in a light dusting of garden lime before planting.

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost date for first-year blooms. Surface sow on moist seed-starting mix and press lightly — seeds need light to germinate. Keep at 65–70°F and expect germination in 10–20 days. Pot up seedlings once they have two sets of true leaves, and harden off carefully over 7–10 days before transplanting. You can also direct sow after last frost, but blooms will be later. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow good airflow.

Feed lightly. Scabiosa is not a heavy feeder, and rich soil produces floppy growth with fewer blooms. Work a balanced organic fertilizer into the planting hole, then side-dress once in midsummer with compost. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which encourage foliage at the expense of flowers.

Water consistently the first season to establish deep roots — about an inch per week. Once established, plants are moderately drought tolerant. Mulch with a thin layer of compost or fine bark to conserve moisture, but keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.

The wiry stems generally support themselves, but in windy sites or rich soil you may want to install corral-style netting or grow-through grids early in the season. Pinch young plants once at 6–8 inches to encourage branching and more stems for cutting.

The single biggest mistake gardeners make with Fama Deep Blue is letting blooms go to seed — this dramatically slows production. Deadhead religiously, or better yet, cut flowers for arrangements every few days. The more you cut, the more it blooms. Save just a few late-season blooms to develop those decorative seed pods.

In Zones 3–7, plants will return year after year and grow stronger in their second and third seasons. Apply a 2-inch winter mulch in colder zones after the ground freezes. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to maintain vigor. In Zones 8 and warmer, treat as an annual or short-lived perennial — summer heat and humidity shorten its lifespan considerably.

Harvesting

Harvest Fama Deep Blue when blooms are about half to three-quarters open — the outer ring of florets should be fully expanded but the central pincushion still showing tight, unopened buds. Cutting at this stage gives you 5–7 days of vase life as the center continues to develop. Fully open flowers will only last 2–3 days in the vase.

Cut in the cool of early morning when stems are fully hydrated, using clean, sharp snips. Reach down into the plant and cut stems as long as possible — at least 12–18 inches — just above a leaf node or branching point, which encourages new stems to form below the cut. Strip lower foliage immediately and plunge stems into cool water.

For the whimsical seed pods so prized in bouquets, leave a portion of late-summer blooms on the plant and harvest once the pods have formed their characteristic spherical shape and turned papery-bronze. Cut on long stems just like fresh flowers.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh-cut Fama Deep Blue stems should be conditioned in cool water for 2–4 hours before arranging. They hold best at 38–40°F in a refrigerator or floral cooler with high humidity, lasting up to a week. Recut stems and refresh water every 2 days, and add floral preservative to extend vase life. Keep arrangements out of direct sun and away from ripening fruit (ethylene shortens bloom life).

For preservation, the seed pods are the real treasure. Harvest fully formed bronze pods, bundle 5–8 stems with a rubber band, and hang upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated space for 2–3 weeks. They retain their shape and color for years in dried arrangements. Fresh blooms can also be pressed flat between blotting paper for 2 weeks, though the blue color softens to a muted lavender-gray.

History & Origin

Scabiosa caucasica, the species behind Fama Deep Blue, hails from the meadows and rocky slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, the dramatic range stretching between the Black and Caspian Seas. It was introduced to Western gardens in the early 19th century and quickly became a Victorian favorite for cottage borders and cutting gardens, prized for its delicate beauty and exceptional vase life.

The Fama series was developed by Dutch breeders for the cut flower industry, selected specifically for longer, stronger, wirier stems than older Scabiosa caucasica strains, along with larger blooms and earlier flowering from seed. Fama Deep Blue intensifies the rich lavender-blue tones traditional growers loved while delivering the productivity modern flower farmers demand. Today it remains a staple of small-scale flower farms and discerning home cutting gardens, often featured in artisan wedding work where its airy form and saturated blue color are difficult to replicate with any other flower.

Advantages

+Exceptional vase life of 5–7 days when harvested at proper stage
+Long, wiry, naturally straight stems require minimal staking
+Blooms continuously from early summer through frost with regular cutting
+Decorative seed pods provide a second harvest for dried arrangements
+True perennial in Zones 3–7, returning stronger each year
+Strong magnet for bees, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators
+Saturated lavender-blue color is rare and difficult to substitute in floral design

Considerations

-Will rot quickly in heavy or poorly drained soil, especially over winter
-Short-lived or treated as annual in Zones 8+ due to summer heat and humidity
-Requires constant deadheading or cutting to maintain bloom production
-Slow to bloom from seed — 105–140 days to first flowers
-Floppy growth in overly rich soil reduces stem quality

Companion Plants

Sweet Alyssum and Catmint pull the most weight here. Alyssum draws in hoverflies and parasitic wasps that prey on aphids — a real problem for Scabiosa — and at 6–8 inches tall it won't shade out the blooms. Catmint's volatile oils deter aphids, and since both peak around the same weeks, you're not juggling staggered bloom times. Lavender fits naturally too: same drainage demands, same full-sun preference, and shallow enough roots that the two don't fight underground. Skip anything in the Black Walnut family — juglone toxicity in the soil will kill most herbaceous perennials, and Scabiosa is no exception.

Plant Together

Marigold

Repels nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Nasturtium

Acts as trap crop for aphids and cucumber beetles, deters pests naturally

Zinnia

Attracts pollinators and beneficial predatory insects while providing color contrast

Lavender

Repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes with its strong fragrance

Cosmos

Attracts beneficial insects and provides structural support in mixed plantings

Catmint

Deters ants, aphids, and rodents while attracting pollinators

Petunia

Repels aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs effectively

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill sensitive plants

Sunflower

Releases allelopathic compounds that can stunt growth of nearby flowers

Eucalyptus

Produces allelopathic oils that inhibit germination and growth of other plants

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Aphids, slugs, whiteflies

Diseases

Crown rot, powdery mildew, root rot in poorly drained soils

Troubleshooting Fama Deep Blue

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Crown collapses at soil level — stems turn brown and mushy, plant wilts despite moist soil

Likely Causes

Crown rot (Sclerotinia or Phytophthora spp.) — almost always triggered by water sitting at the crown, especially in heavy clay or after a wet winter
Planting too deep, so the crown stays consistently damp

What to Do

1.Dig the plant up, cut away all rotted tissue with a clean knife, and let the crown air-dry for a few hours before replanting
2.Replant on a slight mound or raised bed so water drains away from the crown
3.Work coarse grit or perlite into the top 6 inches of soil before replanting — Scabiosa will not tolerate heavy, wet feet

White powdery coating on upper leaf surfaces, usually showing up in mid to late summer

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) — dry air combined with crowded spacing slows airflow and sets this off fast
Spacing plants closer than 12 inches, which limits air circulation

What to Do

1.Strip the worst-affected leaves and bin them — don't compost them
2.Spray remaining foliage with a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda per gallon of water, applied in the morning so leaves dry before nightfall
3.Next season, hold to at least 15–18 inch spacing and water at the base, not overhead

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Fama Deep Blue take to grow from seed to bloom?▼

Expect 105–140 days from sowing to first bloom, which is why most growers start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost. Once flowering begins, plants produce continuously from early summer through fall if you keep cutting or deadheading. In Zones 3–7, second-year plants bloom earlier and more heavily, often beginning in late spring and reaching peak production by midsummer.

Is Fama Deep Blue good for beginner gardeners?▼

Yes — it's rated easy and forgiving once established, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want cut flowers. The main requirements are simple: full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent deadheading. The most common beginner mistake is planting in heavy clay or wet sites, which causes crown rot. If you have drainage issues, plant in a raised bed or amend heavily with compost and grit before planting.

Can you grow Fama Deep Blue in containers?▼

Yes, Fama Deep Blue grows well in containers at least 12 inches deep and wide, which suits its taproot. Use a high-quality potting mix amended with perlite for sharp drainage, and ensure the pot has generous drainage holes. Container plants need more frequent watering but should never sit in saucers of standing water. In Zones 3–6, sink pots into the ground or move to an unheated garage for winter, as exposed roots are more vulnerable to freezing than in-ground plants.

When should I plant Fama Deep Blue seeds?▼

For first-year blooms, start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your last expected frost date. Surface sow on moist mix, since light aids germination, and keep at 65–70°F. Transplant out after danger of frost has passed and seedlings are well hardened off. You can also direct sow after the last frost, but flowering will be delayed until late summer. In Zones 7+, fall sowing is also possible for earlier next-season blooms.

Why is my Scabiosa Fama Deep Blue not blooming?▼

The most common causes are insufficient sun (it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight), overly rich or nitrogen-heavy soil that promotes leaves over flowers, or letting spent blooms set seed, which signals the plant to stop producing. Skip high-nitrogen fertilizers, deadhead or cut flowers every few days, and ensure the planting site isn't shaded by taller neighbors. First-year plants from late-sown seed may also simply need more time to mature.

Do you deadhead Scabiosa Fama Deep Blue?▼

Absolutely — consistent deadheading is the single biggest factor in keeping this variety blooming all summer. Snip spent flowers down to the next leaf node or side branch every 2–3 days. If you're growing for cut flowers, frequent harvesting accomplishes the same thing. Toward the end of the season, allow some blooms to mature into the ornamental papery seed pods, which are a prized addition to dried bouquets and floral arrangements.