Dianthus barbatus Summer Sundae - Sweet William Seeds

Sweet William 'Summer Sundae' is a wonderful selection that flowers in the first year from seed. The abundant blooms display a rich array of colours, from white to purple and various shades of pink. Very robust and cold hardy, they form very floriferous clumps of bluish-green foliage in late spring and early summer. Ideal for cutting, this selection is suitable for growing in pots and self-seeds abundantly. Easy to grow in cool, rich, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Dianthus barbatus is a biennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It occurs naturally in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. This cold-hardy plant generally flowers in its second year after sowing. 'Summer Sundae' brings together several fast-growing varieties, producing flowers in the first year from seed. Plants quickly form a very dense basal clump of long leaves with pointed tips, light green to bluish green in colour. They vary in size from 45 to 60 cm tall in full bloom. Flowering takes place in late spring and early summer. The small flowers are gathered in flattened clusters, from 8 to 15 cm in diameter, carried at the end of thin yet sturdy stems. They vary greatly in colour, often featuring two tones and attractive markings. Some plants produce blooms that gradually change colour as they age. Sweet William flowers have a gorgeous spicy and sweet scent, with notes of cloves and cinnamon.

Sweet William is an easy plant to grow, that is very low maintenance once established. Like bellflowers and columbines, it effortlessly fits into any garden. Grow along passageways such as garden paths or near an entrance to fully enjoy its sweetly scented blooms! In flower beds and borders, grow en masse to create beautiful drifts of colour. Dianthus barbatus is suitable for container gardens, in pots on the terrace or balcony. Make sure to provide the plants with perfect drainage and a little fertilizer.