Seeds – Dianthus, Sooty OG (SGH) Sage Garden

Latin Name: Dianthus barbatus nigrescens ‘Sooty’
Alternative Names: Pinks 
Main Uses:  Fragrant ornamental
Zone Hardiness: Annual (often behaves as a perennial in zone 6 and up)
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 40 cm (7″)
Flower Color: Dark chocolate-maroon 
Flowering Time: July through September (until heavy frost)

Germination: 10 – 20 days at 21°C.
Sowing: Indoors 6 weeks before your local last frost date, 3 – 5 seeds per cell. For easiest transplanting, sow into biodegradable starter pots. Apply Sea Magic™ kelp from first watering. Apply a seedling-starter fertilizer such as Evolve Seedling once the second set of true leaves has appeared, and then alternate between the kelp and seedling starter until transplant. 
Planting depth: 1.75 cm (1/3″), Lightly covered.
Spacing:  6 – 10”.
Planting Out: Well-drained soil once seedlings are established and risk of frost has passed.

Notes: This is a very engaging plant, adding a wonderful fragrant dimension to the landscape; plant where it will get noticed!

Growing in Containers: Ideal for containers.

Fertilizing (Containers): Use an organic bloom-boost fertilizer once plants start to set buds.

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Check every day or two during very hot weather.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Well-suited to larger mixed planters.

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden bed amended with compost. No additional fertilizer is required.

Watering (Garden): Water young plants regularly to establish, then water deeply as conditions require.

Beneficials Attracted to this Plant: Hummingbirds are attracted to this plant.

Suitability for Indoors: Not well-suited for indoors, except under lights.

What about Grow Lights? Grow lights are required to succeed with this variety indoors.

Indoor Container Suggestions: 6″ pot with drainage.