It is a very slow-growing plant that will eventually reach a height of about 2 feet.
Sweet William is generally easy to grow and likes regular water, but not oversaturation.
Sweet William Care
Sweet William is easy to grow provided the following needs are met.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
They can tolerate light shade, but too much of it results in leggy, floppy plants.
In hot regions, some afternoon shade is best to help prolong the bloom time.
Soil
Sweet William can tolerate many soil types, except wet, heavy conditions.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
A well-drained, fertile, loamy site is ideal.
Somegrowers add limeto the soil before planting.
Water
Water sweet William regularly through the growing season, but take care not to overwater.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Waterlogged conditions promote fungal diseases in this species.A moist but not saturated substrate is best.
Temperature and Humidity
For a flowering plant, sweet William is relatively cold-hardy.
It can survive light frosts, but deep freezes will result in the plant dying down.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
This species doesn’t do well with high humidity, and temperatures above 85 Fahrenheit can result in dormancy.
Fertilizer
Sweet William should be fed with anall-purpose fertilizerevery 6 to 8 weeks while they are growing.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
Cut at the spot just above the leaf nodes, as this is where new growth will spring from.
If the plant is too bushy, trim off the stem tips.
To encourage airflow, thin out the stems removing any that have become leggy and weak.
Pruning Tip
No pruners?
Propagating Sweet William
Propagating sweet William from cuttings is possible.
Potting and Repotting
Sweet William plants do well incontainers and plantersdue to their compact size.
The pots can be grown indoors or out.
Place the containers in areas with full sun such as a windowsill.
If you notice any water pooling or root congestion, you should move the plant to a larger pot.
The best time to do this is in the Spring before another growth spurt.
Choose a pot that is a few inches larger in diameter than its current home.
Terra-cotta or unglazed ceramic pots are best for breathability and drainage.
Add new soil and care for your sweet William as usual.
They prefer cool temperatures of around 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and consistently moist soil for germination.
Temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit can result in weak, leggy growth.
Is This the Right Plant for You?
Let the rest of the dead foliage fall to the ground tocreate a layer of protective mulch.
Add to this a few more inches of mulch to insulate roots.
It is alsoattractive to slugsand snails.
How Long Does Sweet William Bloom?
Sweet William flowers will stay vibrant for up to ten days before fading.
Overly hot temperatures also impact flowering capabilities.
What Do Sweet William Flowers Look and Smell Like?
With their small clusters of flowers, sweet William offers a splash of color right through the summer.
Their bright range of colors includes reds, pinks, whites, purples, and bicolors.
Some flowers are fragrant, but many cultivars are scentless.
Their fringed and bearded petals are what give them their alternative “bearded pink” name.
Deadheading Sweet William Flowers
Deadheading spent flowerswill also encourage more blooms.
However, stop deadheading in the late summer to encourage self-seeding for new plants the following year.
If transplanting your sweet William, ensure that the new soil is healthy and free from infestations.
you’re able to protect the plant going forward with a fungicidal spray.
Also avoid overhead watering as the spores are airborne.
Conversely, conditions that are too dry could lead to scorched patches.
Doing so over time will eventually lead to root rot and mildew and irreversible damage to the plant.
Reduce your watering immediately and check the soil.
If it seems to be draining slowly, replace it with a dry, loose potting mix.
Once the plant perks up, you’re able to return to a regular watering schedule.
Although technically a short-lived perennial, these plants are usually grown as biennials or annuals.
Occasionally, they will bloom again for the third season.
Plant Sweet william in an area that receives full sunlight or at the most partial shade.
An area where the soil is slightly alkaline, loose and well-draining is ideal.
You might only get one flowering season out of these plants, but they are low-maintenance.
Providing they are grown under the right conditions, sweet William offers a proliferation of blooms for minimal effort.
Healthy cut flowers can last several weeks.
Toxic Plants (by Common Name).University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Dianthus barbatus.Missouri Botanical Garden.
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.
