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.