Flowers
Dianthus barbatus 'Messenger'
Sweet William
A mix of red, pink and white, as well as bicolored flowers of this popular biennial. Perfect towards the middle of a border, or in a cutting garden. With strong stems and long-lasting flowers, it makes an excellent cut flower. Attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Plant type
- Biennial
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 60cm
- Spread
- 30cm
Growing calendar
JFMAMJJASOND
Sow indoors
Sow outdoors
Flowering
Sowing & growing
Sow direct April-June, or when risk of frost has passed. Sow thinly into moist, well prepared soil 0.5cm deep. Thin out seedlings when large enough to handle and keep well-watered. Sow seeds under cover Sep-Oct in trays of seed compost and overwinter for planting out the following spring. Flowers in second year.
Aftercare
Regularly deadhead to prolong the flowering period. Can be divided in spring when new growth appears.
Gallery
Ref. SED016