100 Seeds Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Flower

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a classic biennial flower grown for its dense, rounded clusters of small fringed blooms in mixed shades of pink, red, white, and bicolor. Plants form compact clumps of narrow green foliage and flower on sturdy stems, making them a long-standing favorite for cottage gardens, borders, and cutting gardens. Often treated as a short-lived perennial in mild climates, it is easy to grow from seed and reliably produces an abundance of blooms in its second season.

Sweet William is valued for its long-lasting cut flowers and its ability to fill garden beds with color in late spring and early summer. The lightly fragrant blooms attract pollinators and pair well with other cottage garden favorites. Start seeds indoors in late winter or sow directly in prepared beds after the last frost; plants prefer cool conditions and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and allow some flowers to self-sow for future seasons.
Species: Dianthus barbatus
Type: Biennial, often grown as short-lived perennial
Plant Habit: Upright clumping
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam
Days to Harvest: 90-120 days to bloom
Zones: 3-9
Germination: 10-14 days at 65-70F
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly cover; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct sow after last frost
Spacing: 8-12 inches apart
Notes: Deadhead to prolong bloom; allow some flowers to self-sow