Charming large clusters of edible, double flowers in a myriad of colors, and one of the longest lasting cut flowers available! In the garden, butterflies and bees love the sweet and spicy scented flowers. In the kitchen, the mild-clove-flavored petals make a colorful garnish to salads, desserts, and cold drinks. (The flower's central disk, while edible, can be bitter.) As a biennial, Sweet William forms a lovely plant the first year, then flowers the second. In mild climates, plants may return the following year. However, for the best flower production, we recommend reseeding every year so you'll be sure to always have flowering plants.
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Native: Europe, Asia
Hardiness: Biennial or short-lived perennial in USDA zones 3–9. Foliage first year, flowers second year.
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Bloom Period: Spring to early summer
Plant Dimensions: 12"–20" tall and wide
Variety Info: ½" white, pink, rose, red, purplish, bi-colored flowers in densely packet flattened heads (3"–5" diameter).
Attributes: Cut Flower, Deer Resistant
