Dianthus barbatus fl. pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’

DWARF DOUBLE SWEET WILLIAMS

Dianthus barbatus fl. pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’
DWARF DOUBLE SWEET WILLIAMS

Dianthus barbatus fl. pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’ is a mix of dwarf growing, double flowered “Sweet Williams”.
In a wonderful range of rich colours, bi-colours and patterns; and all superbly scented.

Old fashioned tapestry colours

Dwarf Double Sweet Williams includes all the rich old tapestry colours that make Sweet Williams so loved.
From rich maroons, plums, through magenta, mauves, rose-pinks, blush and white flowers, many with wonderful lace patterning and white stitching too.

Heads of ruffled double blooms

The double blooms appear delightfully ruffled and frilly, because of the double rows of petals

Old world charm & perfume

So Dianthus barbatus fl. pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’ has all the charm of an old-world cottage garden plant.

But with new dwarf stature & increased performance

But with newly enhanced performance for earlier and longer blooming, thanks to the new breeding.

Longer blooming

These lovely flower heads begin in mid spring and continuously produce until mid summer.

Rich and sweet scent

Dianthus barbatus fl.pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’ has the intense, sweet, enchanting scent of the old-fashioned Sweet Williams, but with enhanced modern breeding for better and longer blooming – win win for gardeners and florists.

Superb cut flowers

The stems are just long enough at 20cm. to use in small vases or bouquets.

Edible flowers

The flowers of Dianthus barbatus are edible, and have featured in kitchens for centuries.
They have a mild flavour, and can be used as a colourful garnish for vegetable and fruit salads, cakes, desserts, ice-cream and in cold drinks.

Make a refreshing and pretty summer drink

You can also steep the flowers in soda water in the fridge for a few hours to make water with sweet flavour and scent, plus lovely colour.

Bee supermarkets

Bees and our pollinating insect friends are in heaven working the rich nectar and pollen of the flowers.
So Sweet Williams are traditional companion plants for potagers, veggie patches, orchards – to haul in the insects.
And of course also in flower beds for picking flowers.

Hardy & easy to grow 

Dwarf Double Sweet Williams are very easy going plants in the garden.

Water-wise & frost hardy

Because they are frost hardy and water-wise.
So need only a minimum of additional watering to thrive and produce their best.

Love sun & lime

Dwarf Sweet Williams plants enjoy a position in Full Sun, and a scattering of lime, on well-drained soil.
Otherwise they are very undemanding and not a bit fussy.

Hardy evergreen dwarf clumps

Plants of Dianthus barbatus fl. pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’ make hardy evergreen perennial clumps, which continue to bloom each year.

Low maintenance & easy to grow

So they just need a cut back after flowering to tidy up.
Though if you leave some seed heads uncut to mature – the plants will happily self seed into the garden.
Should any baby plants sow themselves where you don’t want them – they are easy to weed out.

Fast & easy from seed to flower

Dianthus barbatus is actually a perennial plant, but because they are so quick and easy to grow from seed, many cut flower farmers treat Dianthus barbatus as a biennial.
So they sow the seed in spring, summer and autumn, so they have mature plants ready to bloom profusely much earlier in the following spring, and a procession of crops maturing for cutting.

From sowing the seed to flower is just 16 weeks

Dianthus barbatus fl. pl. nanus ‘Pinocchio’ grows 20cm. High with beautiful crowns of double flowers in a range of tapestry colours
With an evergreen foliage clump approx. 45cm Wide.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Sow directly in the garden in early spring
OR
Sow at any time of year in indoors, whenever suitable temperatures can be provided (18-22°C).

Sow indoors for quick & early plants: First sow the seeds in a punnet on surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Then press gently to the surface of the mix to ensure good contact.
But barely cover with sieved mix /fine sandy grit / or vermiculite, as these seeds need light to germinate.

Now thoroughly moisten the sown punnet by standing it in a shallow water-bath, and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight as this will dry the seeds out).
Temperatures of 18-22°C are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.

Continue to keep the punnet consistently moist by misting from a spray water-bottle.
Covering the punnet with a clear plastic lid or plastic bag will help to maintain necessary consistent moisture.
But remove the cover as soon as seeds begin to sprout.

Seedlings should emerge in approx. 7-14 days.

Prick out as soon as seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, and pot up to grow on until large enough to plant in the open garden.

Seed Count: 100 seeds per pack.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).

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