Fertilize in Spring & Summer. Cut back after flowering.
Can be used as a cut flower.
Some gardeners use Sweet William as a biennial and pull it up after flowering the summer after planting out
Sow in mid summer, cover lightly.
Most dianthus require light to germinate. Well-drained neutral to sweet soil is appreciated.
By our calculations*, you should look at sowing Sweet William about 49 days before your last frost date .
Transplant three seedlings into 7cm pots and pot up as the plant establishes. Grow on in sheltered conditions and plant out in the flowering position at the end of the summer or early autumn.
As Sweet William is very hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.Can be used as a cut flower, lasts very well in a vase
Seed viability is five years.
These estimates for how long Sweet William takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 8 days | Min 5 days | Max 15 days (25)
Average 39 days | Min 17 days | Max 288 days (3)
Average 138 days | Min 34 days | Max 603 days (11)
Our when to plant Sweet William estimates are relative to your last frost date.
Dianthus, Sweet Williams, Dianthus barbatus, Green trick
Dianthus x barbatus, Dianthus barbatus L.