Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is an old fashioned spring bloomer that grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 9. A flexible plant, Sweet William grows almost everywhere in the backyard, including along borders, in patio containers or in flowerbeds. The vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Sweet William is not hard to propagate by planting seeds while several gardeners buy young crops in spring.
Growth
Sweet William is generally a plant that develops a tiny plant the first-year, then dies the second-year, sets seeds, and blooms. Sweet William typically reseeds itself, returning once proven. In climates with moderate winters, the plant is occasionally lives and perennial for many years.
Planting Seeds In-Doors
Plant seeds indoors six to eight months prior to the last frost. Germination happens effortlessly in seed-starting mix or a light-weight potting soil. Containers work, including trays or seed flats. Peat pots that are small are successful as you plant them straight in the backyard, hence reducing transplant shock. Seeds need bright, indirect sunlight and temperatures. When the seedlings show one set of leaves that were true — following the original germination leaves, the leaves that appear — the seedlings are ready that you place them outdoors, in a sunny spot and well-prepared soil.
Planting Seeds Outside
Sweet William advantages of well-prepared soil spaded into a depth of 6 to 8″. A gentle application of fertilizer as well as a layer of compost or manure dug to the very top of the soil gets off the seeds to an excellent start. Cover the seeds . is prevented by also much soil stops Water cautiously, using a watering can to avoid washing away the seeds or a hose with a spray attachment. Roughly five to 10 times germination needs.
Care
Feed Sweet William in early summer or late spring, using about 1 teaspoon of a general-purpose fertilizer that is dry for every 1 square foot of area. The plant advantages of a watering, saturating the soil to a depth of 6 to 8″. Removal of flowers that are wilted encourages ongoing blooming until the first frost.