Sweet William (Dianthus Barbatus mix) 250 seeds (#1711)

This flower grows up to 60 cm tall and features small flowers held in dense, flat-topped terminal clusters 7-12 cm wide.
Flowers come in vivid shades of red, pink, white and bicolor, with a light eye, and with fringed petals that are bearded on the inside.
Bloom from May to July. Lance-shaped medium green leaves.
In optimum growing conditions it will reseed each year and remain in the garden for many years as if it were a long-lived perennial. Double-flowered forms will not come true from seed, however. Prompt deadheading of spent flowers (shear back large plantings) promotes perennial tendencies.
Approximately 250 seeds in 1g packet.

Genus - Dianthus
Species - Barbatus
Variety - mix
Common name - Sweet William
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 9
Height - 0,60 m
Spread - 0,25 m
Plant type - Perennial or biennial flower
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Fertile Clay, Loam, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average Water
Landscape uses - Beds and borders. Containers.
Bloom season - May - July
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Pink, purple, orange, white combinations

GERMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bury the seeds under 5 mm of commercial seed planting medium or a mix of equal parts of perlite and peat moss in a shallow tray 5-7 cm deep. Start the seeds in the early spring about 6 weeks before the last frost in your area - from March to July.
2. Water the container from the bottom by setting it into a sink filled with about 2 cm of water for about 10 minutes. Lift, drain slightly until the water stops dripping and place the container in a sunny window.
3. Cover the whole container with a clear plastic bag that will let the light in but keep the soil moist. Remove it after about 10 days when the seeds start sprouting.
4. Water the seedlings every few days so that the soil stays moist. Add 1 tsp. of general liquid plant fertilizer to a gallon of water and fertilize the seedlings once a week after they are about 10 days old.
5. Transplant the dianthus seedlings outside in the spring, keeping the soil around their roots by sliding a spoon under them and lifting them from the container.
6. Set the seedlings into holes deep enough to hold the roots and keep the plant at the same planting depth. Gently press the soil so that it is firm around the stem and continue the watering and fertilizing schedule.
Info source: eHow.com