(Dianthus barbatus) A long time favorite of ours, “Sooty” has been thriving in our home garden for almost a decade! Each year we swore would be the one to grow at the farm and share seed and at long last...here it is. Some grow these as an annual but if you love it, it will stay where you put it. Lovely rosettes of lance shaped, deep ruby leaves begin the first season and your patience will be rewarded in the second as the leaves come back and it bursts into long lasting, deep ruby-black flowers with pink stamens. If you take a look at “Black Knight” Scabiosa, these are the identical colors, subtle sweet smell, and edible, but in a Sweet William package. 1.5’ with long lasting cutting stems. Deadhead for long flowering from Spring through Fall. Tender Perennial.
100-120 Days. UO

Packet: 100 seeds

[split]

Growing Info

SOWING:

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost.

Transplant out after last frost.

Direct sow after last frost.

Note: Tender perennial, zones 6-8. Prefers the cool.

PLANTING DEPTH:

Cover seeds very lightly

SPACING:

8-12"

EMERGENCE:

7-15 days @ soil temp 65-70F

LIGHT:

Full sun

FERTILITY:

Average-high. Tolerant to most soil types but prefers well-drained and evenly moist soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Cut when 10% of flowers are open and expect a vase life of 7-10 days.

Dianthus, 'Sooty'