Dianthus Hollandia ‘Purple Crown’

Sweet William are always a cottage garden favourite, easy to grow and look after and yet incredibly rewarding too. Dianthus barbatus ‘Purple Crown’ bears large clusters of very fragrant deep purple and white bicolour flowers that are greatly appreciated by pollinating insects as well as ourselves! These half hardy annuals are perfect for some early summer colour! Height: 60cm (24″). Spread: 30cm (12″)

Feed and water Sweet William plants regularly until they are fully established. Deadhead faded Sweet William flowers to encourage more blooms to be produced throughout the grow season .

Sow seed on the surface of a good free draining, damp, seed compost and cover with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 15-20C (59-68F). Germination usually takes 14-30 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Alternatively, seeds can also be sown outdoors where they are to flower, 6mm (1/4in) deep, in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Later, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Transplant 30cm (12in) apart into flowering site in the autumn for flowering the following year.