Dianthus barbatus Barcelona Pink F1

Common name: Sweet William

Pelleted seed (unsuitable for organic production); this variety is packed by volume so all pack quantities are approximate. Available in two pack sizes: 

Gardener packet 20 seeds; Grower packet 100 seeds.

Hardy annual/biennial. DTM: 90-105 

Sweet Williams are sweetly scented flowers; they bloom in a range of colours from white through to pastel shades and ruby red. They are especially long-lasting as cut flowers. The Barcelona series has been bred specifically for cut flower production with no requirement for vernalisation, which means that these Sweet Williams can be grown as an annual rather than a biennial crop. Also suitable for year round production in an unheated tunnel or glasshouse.

Sow Feb-May, or can also be sown Aug-Sept for overwintering. Sow at 18-21°C; do not cover when sowing as light will aid germination which should take 14-21 days in optimum conditions. Treat as a hardy annual. Can be overwintered under cover for an early-blooming crop in the following year.

Cut when 10-25% of flowers on the head are open. Strip the lower leaves and place straight into shallow water; stems may require bunching to prevent bending whilst hydrating. 

Vase life: 10-14 days