Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 30-60cm/12-24in, width: 25cm/10in
Although this member of the dianthus family is a perennial, D. barbatus, or Sweet William, gives best results when grown as a biennial. The dense flat heads of fragrant flowers range in colour from white through pink to deep cherry red. Some are marked with concentric rings of a contrasting colour. They look best grown in groups in the border, and are very popular as cut flowers.
PROPAGATION Sow seed under glass in early spring at 13°C/55°F. When large enough to handle, prick out seedlings into boxes at 7.5cm/3in apart and grow on Lit 10'C/,50'F. Harden off and plant out in the flowering site in early summer.
GROWING A position in full sun is best, in ordinary, well drained alkaline soil. Dress acid soils with lime before planting out.
VARIETIES There are no named varieties of sweet william, but hybrids known as `Sweet Wivelsfield' bearing larger flowerheads have been developed.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Carnation ring spot causes deformed plants. Brown spots on leaves are Caused by leaf spot.
