Common name: Saponaria, Soapwort
Untreated seed; packed by volume so seed quantity is approximate. Available in two pack sizes:
Gardener packet 1.0g (225 seeds); Grower packet 5.0g (1125 seeds).
Hardy annual. DTM 60-70
Similar in appearance to Covent Garden gyp, but easier to grow and cut! Well-branched stems covered with small dusky pink blooms make this an excellent filler flower variety.
Sow Feb-May or Aug-Sep to overwinter for earlier flowers the following year. Sowing temp: 15-18°C; may require cold stratification below 4°C for 4-6 weeks. Cover sparingly, light aids germination. Saponaria should be sown in succession every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Cut when 30% of the blooms on the stem are open; buds will continue to open in the vase. Place immediately into water condition well overnight before use; may require searing (hot water method) for best results.
Vase life: 7 days