Sweet William
Botanical Name
:
Dianthus barbatus
Plant Type
:
Vegetative biennial
Seasons
:
Blooms in spring and early summer.
Sun Level
:
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight is ideal for best blooming).
Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting
:
17–22°C
Soil Type
:
Well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
Germination
:
Seeds germinate best in cool, moist conditions at 17–22°C. Expect germination within 7-14 days.
P.H. Level
:
6.0–7.5
Water/Irrigation
:
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
:
Apply balanced fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
Habit
:
Upright, clump-forming, with branching stems.
Final Plant Height
:
12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Spread
:
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Spacing
:
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Flowers
:
Clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of red, pink, white, purple, or bicolor often blooming in late spring to early summer.
Attracts
:
Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds.
Uses
:
Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers, rock gardens.
Companions
:
Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, lavender
Pruning
:
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Cut back after blooming for a second flush.
Toxicity
:
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.
Pests
:
Aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Diseases
:
Crown rot, rust, and powdery mildew can occur, especially in poorly drained conditions or humid environments.
Fun Fact
:
In Victorian times, Sweet William symbolized gallantry and admiration.
Botanical Name
:
Dianthus barbatus
Plant Type
:
Vegetative biennial
Seasons
:
Blooms in spring and early summer.
Sun Level
:
Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight is ideal for best blooming).
Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting
:
17–22°C
Soil Type
:
Well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter.
Germination
:
Seeds germinate best in cool, moist conditions at 17–22°C. Expect germination within 7-14 days.
P.H. Level
:
6.0–7.5
Water/Irrigation
:
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during germination. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
:
Apply balanced fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.
Habit
:
Upright, clump-forming, with branching stems.
Final Plant Height
:
12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Spread
:
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Spacing
:
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Flowers
:
Clusters of small, fragrant flowers in shades of red, pink, white, purple, or bicolor often blooming in late spring to early summer.
Attracts
:
Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds.
Uses
:
Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers, rock gardens.
Companions
:
Marigolds, zinnias, petunias, lavender
Pruning
:
Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Cut back after blooming for a second flush.
Toxicity
:
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.
Pests
:
Aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
Diseases
:
Crown rot, rust, and powdery mildew can occur, especially in poorly drained conditions or humid environments.
Fun Fact
:
In Victorian times, Sweet William symbolized gallantry and admiration.
