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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 'Auricula Eyed'
Seed Packet

Sweet William 'Auricula Eyed'

Dianthus barbatus
Velvety petals in hues of red and pink bloom create a classic cottage garden scene when paired with foxgloves and bellflowers. A favorite in the 1600s when the herbalist Parkinson described it as "..esteemed for their beauty to decke up gardens, the bosomes of the beautiful, garlands and crowns for pleasure."
SKU #S040
$3.50
Currently Unavailable
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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
Mix of pink and burgundy shades with 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 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.