Growing Sweet William

Botanical Name:

Dianthus barbatus

Life Cycle:

biennials

Planting Time:

spring or summer

Height:

dwarf forms 6" to 8"; full-sized 12" to 18"

Exposure:

full sun

Soil:

dry to evenly moist, well-drained soil; neutral to alkaline pH

Hardiness:

zones 4-8

Bloom Time:

early spring into summer

Flower:

red, pink and white combinations

Foliage:

green

Propagation:

seeds

Suggested Use:

cut flowers, beds, borders, and window boxes

Growing Hints:

Sow Sweet William seeds in summer directly into soil. Don't pinch off spent flowers and they will reseed themselves for the next year. If planting transplants, space them 4 to 6 inches apart. When older flowers stop sending up new shoots, cutting stems back by half will reinvigorate them.

Interesting Facts:

Sweet William is related to the carnation.