Height of Sweet William

Height

• The annual varieties of sweet William achieve a mature height of 4 to 12 inches and the biennial sweet William forms can grow up to 20 inches tall, according to Nancy Bubel in the "The New Seed-Starters Handbook."

Description

• Sweet William has glossy, lanced-shaped, broadleaf blades. The 3- to 5-inches-wide, flat, fragrant flower clusters bloom between late spring and September in shades of maroon, light pink, salmon, lilac or white. Deadheading the plants regularly and dividing every two to three years causes plants to grow as perennials. The flowers are well suited for use in fresh floral arrangements and have a vase life of seven to 10 days.

Cultural Conditions

• Plant sweet William in areas of full sun and in a well-drained, moist soil. The plant prefers partial sun in regions with a very hot summer. Add a little lime to the soil prior to planting because growing in a slightly alkaline soil produces best growth. You can start sweet William easily from seed or buy bedding plants, which are usually available during spring and fall in gardening centers. The seeds take seven to 14 days to germinate in 70 degrees F soil.

Planting Suggestions

• Start the seeds indoors during February to achieve June-blooming plants. You can also sow the seed directly outdoors in April for summer flowers. Plant the dwarf varieties with a minimum space of 6 to 8 inches between plants. Space the taller varieties 12 inches apart. Sweet William gives best effect when used in clumps or mass planted. Use in combination with other foliage and flowering perennials.