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Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'

Sweet William, Pink

Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'
Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'
Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'
Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'
Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'
Price: £2.25
RHS Perfect for pollinatorsAttractive to pollinatorsPerennial that will flower in its first year from sowingPerfect for cuttingBest Seller
    This is a veritable eye-catcher of a Sweet William both as a foliage plant in its first year and when it bursts into bloom early the following summer. Forming neat, compact rosettes of leaves that can best be described as the deepest ruby-black in colour; the flowers, large and fragrant, are the deepest maroon-black. 1½ft (40cm)

    No old English cottage garden could possibly be complete without its share of Sweet Williams, sweet-scented, beautiful in the border and perhaps one of the most attractive cut flowers. Easy to grow; once established and left to themselves, they will take over your garden! Strictly speaking, they are a short-lived perennial, but can be grown as an annual or biennial.
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    Genus: Dianthus

    Species: barbatus

    Variety: 'Sooty'

    Family Name: Caryophyllaceae

    Seed Catalogue No.: 450K

    English Name(s): Sweet William, Pink

    Hardiness: Half Hardy

    Lifecycle: Annual, Perennial

    Suitable for: Summer Bedding, Cut Flowers, Baskets & Containers

    Colour: Red/Maroon

    Flowers: May, June, July

    Lighting Conditions: Full Sun, Partial Sun

    Soil Type: Sand, Loam

    Soil Acidity: Alkaline, Neutral

    Moisture: Well-drained

    Customer Reviews - Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'

    Average Rating: 5 (5 of 5 based on 2 reviews)

    Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'

    Gorgeous and unusual colour

    Reviewed by Gemma on

    This does indeed spread, the flower spikes can look a bit untidy in a pot as they are a bit random and sprawl. Probably best in the ground. Excellent cut flower- lasts well. It seems to be happy with a fair amount of shade or partially under another plant

    Rating: 5/55

    Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'

    Dark and beautiful

    Reviewed by Marty on

    The flowers are a gorgeous, deep, dark and rich burgundy colour held on dark foliage. My favourite Sweet William, it’s easy to grow and makes a fantastic cut flower which adds a sophisticated touch to any bouquet. Hugely recommended!

    Rating: 5/55

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    Customer Review - Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'

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    Germination Instructions

    Sow directly. Sow seeds very thinly into finely prepared soil, with stones removed, that has been raked to a fine tilth. Sow 6mm deep into drills spaced 30cm apart. Cover with a fine sprinkling of soil. Water well and keep damp until germination, 14-21 days at 12-15°C. Thin to 15cm when large enough to handle. Replant thinnings elsewhere. Can be started early indoors. Sow into pots or modules, cover seed with vermiculite. Water well and place in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. Plant out the following spring.

    Growing Instructions

    Prefers rich, light , well-drained soil with full sun. Does not tolerate a wet soil in winter.

    Cultivation Instructions

    Deadhead to extend flowering and to maintain plant vigour. After the first killing frost cut all stems back to 2-4 cm above soil line. Has a short life expectancy of 3-4 years so propagate by division or cuttings to maintain the plants in your garden. Divide in spring as new growth appears.

    When to Sow

    JanJFebFMarMAprAMayMJunJJulJAugASepSOctONovNDecD
    • Sow Under Cover/Plant Indoors
    • Direct Sow/Plant Outdoors
    • Flowers/Harvest

    Approximate number of seeds per packet: 75

    Please note we pack the majority of our seeds by volume so the number of seeds indicated is only an approximation.

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    Dianthus barbatus, 'Sooty'

    £2.25