May blooming of Sweet William

Dolway McCorry, a cut flower grower located near the shores of Lough Neagh, has successfully adopted the cut flower technology of ‘extended season Sweet William production’ demonstrated at Greenmount Campus. Dolway has now become one of the earliest producers of Sweet William to supply local markets with flowers available from May until July.

The Greenmount Campus cut flower project demonstrated that Northern Ireland has a suitable climate for extended season production of high quality Sweet William. Sweet William is normally only available locally in June and July but Greenmount Campus has demonstrated that by careful variety selection and use of tunnels that the crop can be supplied to wholesalers between May and September.

Dolway said, "My customers are very satisfied with the early season availability and the high quality of flowers I produce in May and June giving them a competitive edge over those who don’t have access to a supply of good quality Sweet William during this period".

David Davidson, Greenmount Campus Cut Flower Development Adviser, said "We have found that there is a definite demand from NI buyers for the product between May and September. However, there is still a short fall in the quantities presently produced and there are good opportunities for local growers to supply NI wholesale and retail outlets. "

Further information on producing cut flowers can be obtained from:

David Davidson, Cut Flower Adviser:
Tel: 028 37515605,
Mobile 077 7615 2524,
email: david.davidson@dardni.gov.uk.

Sweet William grower Dolway McCorry and David Davidson, Cut Flower Development Adviser, CAFRE viewing May flowering Sweet William