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We have been busy packing our favorite flower seeds and gearing up for another amazing year. Stay tuned for back in stock seeds and plants for 2025 plus over 75 new varieties!
Sweet William 'Albus'
Sweet William 'Albus'
Seed Packet

Sweet William 'Albus'

Dianthus barbatus
After the delicate yellow greens of early spring come the brimming excess of June gardens. A fresh, pure white flower such as this heirloom sweet William adds a restful note to cottage gardens filled with brilliant Oriental poppies, rose peonies, and cobalt blue Delphiniums. An excellent cut flower with strong stems and full clusters of flowers. A biennial to sow in June after the spring rush, it blooms the following year.
SKU #S1587
$3.50
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Sweet William 'Auricula Eyed'
Sweet William 'Auricula Eyed'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
450
Lifecycle
Biennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
9
Mature Size
1.5-2' h x 1' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Rich, well-drained
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Clusters of bright white
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/16"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Starting Indoors:
6-8 weeks before last frost. Keep at 65-70°F. Once germination occurs keep at 55-65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Sow spring to mid-summer for blooms the following year.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After last frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Sweet Williams are quintessential heirloom flowers; fond names such as Velvet Williams and Bloomy Downs refer to these shorn velvet flowers. Bushels of them were planted in England at Hampton Court circa 1533, and at one time, almost one hundred varieties were cultivated. They then traveled to America, and their zenith was in Victorian-patterned beds. Sweet William is a beautiful biennial that attracts butterflies and bees and is deer-resistant. Often grown in borders as well as the cutting garden, its edible petals make lovely garnishes for the plate and as salad confetti. Mulch during its first winter, being sure to keep the crowns uncovered. Severe cold or saturated winter soil may lead to dieback. Cut back after flowering to encourage its somewhat perennial tendencies or allow it to self-sow for new seedlings.
Final Spacing:
8-12"
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week. While somewhat drought tolerant, greater moisture availability will increase blooms.
Soil pH:
Tolerates most soil pH levels, but neutral to alkaline is preferred. If soil is acidic, apply a handful of lime when planting.
Fertilizer:
Apply a low-nitrogen granular, organic fertilizer or 2" of compost in springtime.
Diseases & Pests:
Leaf spots can mar the leaves of Dianthus. Space well apart for good air circulation.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when 1/2 of the florets are open.