Sweet William Dianthus

This familiar biennial features large 4" clusters of 1/2" flowers on 18-24"stems. Blooms in June and thereafter, in lots of different colors from white through deep red. Reseeds itself vigorously. The 1936 Vicks Seed catalog describes Sweet William as a favorite of old-time gardens, so it has been around a century or more and remains a personal favorite.

100 seeds 

PLANTING

Dianthus barbatus 

Biennial, Zones 3-9

Germination: 7-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-75ºF

Seed Planting Depth: Sow on surface and lightly cover seeds

Starting Indoors: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-75ºF soil temperature. Transplant after the last frost, 10-12" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: Direct sow mid to late spring or fall. Sow 3-5 seeds 10-12" apart

Growth Habit: Upright

Height and Width:  18-24" x 12-18"

Spacing: 10-12" apart

Light Needs:  Full sun

Soil Needs: Loose, rich, well-drained

Approximate days to flower from seed: Blooms the second season

Uses:  Flower beds, containers, cut flowers, attracts pollinators

Care: Water seedlings regularly until established. Amend soil with compost before transplanting. Harvest flowers often for bouquets or deadhead for continuous blooms.