Dianthus barbatus nigrescens Sooty

Hardy Biennial

• Flowers in : Early Summer
• Germination : Easy
• Aftercare : Easy
• Ideal for : Borders, Cut Flowers
• Special Features : Edible Flowers, Flowers in 1st Year, Scented
• Height : 15 inches

Description

Supremely different to other Sweet Williams with 7cm (2½in) fragrant blooms of deepest maroon-chocolate on red stems and mid green foliage which matures to metallic mahogany. Stunning cut flower and border plant.

Height: 30-38cm (12-15in).

Culinary note: Some parts of these flowers are edible. For more details about edible flowers click here.

Sowing Instructions

Sow in May-June outdoors in a moist, well forked and raked seed bed. Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills spaced 15cm (6in) apart. Keep seed bed well watered in dry weather.

They can also be sown indoors in late April-May in a good seed sowing compost just covering the seed with compost. Germination takes 7-14 days at 18-20C (65-70P).

Growing Instructions

Transplant to a reserve border, when large enough to handle 15cm (6in) apart in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Plant 30cm (12in) apart in the flower border in September.

For April sowings, when large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to boxes, grow cool and well lit. When well grown, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out in a reserve border as described above.