Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 2.0 - 00000512
01/01/98
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8 Height: 18 in Spread: 18 in Type: herbaceous perennial Flowers: Pink, red, salmon, white
Comments: Sweet William is a biennial which acts as a perennial by re-seeding itself. If not allowed to set seed, clusters of new plants form around the old stalk. The plants grow 1 to 2 feet tall and bloom in midsummer. Sweet William grows in slightly alkaline soil and likes a warm sunny growing area. A planting will probably only last 2 or 3 years and must then be replaced. The blossoms are excellent cut flowers.
Propagation: Propagation is easiest by seed. The seed germinates in 5 to 10 days at 70 degrees. The plants may be propagated by cuttings and runner plants.
Cultivars:
'Double Dwarf' - A mixture of flower colors combined
with a dwarf, 6-inch height.
'Dunnet's Dark Crimson' - Dark, crimson flowers.
'Harlequin' - Ball-shaped flower heads.
'Hollandia Hybrid' - Rounded flower heads are produced
in a variety of colors on 2-foot tall plants.
'Newport Pink' - Pink flowers on a 16-inch plant.
'Rondo Mix' - Six-inch tall plants begin flowering in
the first year. Flower colors are mixed but often
with darker centers.
'Scarlet Beauty' - Scarlet flowers, plants 16 inches
tall.
References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1997, Park Seeds 1994, Thompson and Morgan 1997, Bailey Nurseries 1997.