Saponaria (Saponaria Vaccaria Pink Beauty) - This lovely annual is very easy to grow from Saponaria seeds, and it adds a graceful touch to any bed, border, or garden. Pink Saponaria is a wonderful flower that is making a comeback as an easy-to-grow and easy-to-care-for showy annual. Saponaria is also known as Soapwort and has a profusion of small rose-pink blooms. The plant reaches about 60 cm (24 inches) in height, and the branching stems are well suited for cutting. Many gardeners use Saponaria Soapwort as a filler in arrangements similar to the way that Baby's Breath is used.

SOWING:

Sow: February - April

Season: Annual

Height: 60 cm (24 inches)

Bloom Season: Late spring through summer

Bloom Color: Rose-pink

Environment: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Type: Average, well-drained, pH 6.6 - 7.3

Deer Resistant: Yes

Germ temperature: 18C (65F)

Average Germ Time: 14 - 28 days

Light Required: Yes

Depth: 1/8 inch

Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

Plant Spacing: 45 cm (18 inches)

Growing Soapwort from seed is very rewarding! Saponaria seeds can be sown either indoors or directly outdoors. For indoor sowing, the Saponaria Soapwort seeds germinates better after a cold treatment. Dampen a paper towel, place the seed on the towel and roll it up. Place the damp towel with the seeds into a ziplock bag and place it in the refrigerator for 4 weeks. After the cold treatment, sow the Pink Soapwort seeds on the surface of starter mix in small pots or trays. Only lightly cover the Saponaria seeds as they need light for germination. For outdoor sowing, prepare soil by loosening and weeding and place 2 - 3 seeds in groups spaced 18 inches apart. Press the flower seed into soil and lightly cover. Keep seeds moist until germination. Outdoor sowing can be done either in fall or spring. Water Saponaria Vaccaria plants regularly to help them establish, and lightly fertilize them a couple of times during the growing season.