Knautia arvensis

Germination

Sow directly or under glass. Easiest to sow directly in autumn as seeds require a period of cold to germinate. Sow 6mm deep into prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth, in drills 30cm apart. Keep moist. Germination takes 14-28 days but can be erratic and take many months. Thin to final spacing of 50cm. If planting under glass sow 2mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost, ideal temp. 18-21°C. Once germinated move to 8cm pots and grow on at 10°C. Acclimatise and plant out.

Growing

Prefers fertile, ideally alkaline soil in full sun. Good drainage is essential. May require twiggy support. Fertilise in spring if desired.

Cultivation

Cut back after flowering to encourage further blooms and to prevent self-seeding. Will self-seed freely. Divide large plants in spring to maintain plant vigour.