Sweet William Mix are a cottage-garden favorite, with carnation-like, clustered blooms in showy shades of red, purple, pink, and white in gorgeous combinations! A native of southern Europe, Sweet Williams are named after the late Prince William, Duke of Cumberland and were part of Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge's marriage bouquet. Sweet Williams have edible serrated petals and a spicy, clove-like scent that fills your garden with a sweet, aromatic fragrance that is sure to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These perennial plants not only provide long-lasting blooms but also is ideal for adding bold color to borders, flower beds, or containers, bringing a touch of elegance and cheer to any space. Its low-maintenance nature makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners, and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions ensures that it will flourish year after year. Whether used in bouquets or left to brighten up your outdoor landscape, this mix is sure to be a garden favorite.

Also Known As: Sweet William Dianthus, Cottage Pinks, London Pride, Bearded Pink, Poet’s Flower, Sweet John, Dianthus Barbatus, Summer Carnation, Bouquet Flower, Pink Fragrance.

Plant Name:	Sweet William, Single Mix
Latin Name:	Dianthus barbatus
Days to Germinate:	14-21
Days to Bloom:	90-110
Plant Height:	1 - 2 Feet
Spread:	8 - 12 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 3 Inches
Growth Habit:	Bush
USDA Zones:	3-9
Lifespan:	Biennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 18 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 60F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, sow as early as 6-8 weeks before the last frost in Spring. Or, plant after all danger of frost has passed in spring and soil temperatures reach at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters for a head start in the following spring, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6-10 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 6-10 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-10 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	18-24 inches

Care During the Season:

Once established, Sweet Williams are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, watering deeply when the top inch feels dry, and use mulch to retain moisture. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering, but leave a few flowers if you want them to self-seed. Applying a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks encourages continuous flowering and strong foliage. In regions with harsh winters, applying a light layer of mulch in late fall can help protect the plants. Once the plants finish blooming, you can cut them back or allow them to reseed naturally.