sweet William

Sweet William should be watered about once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. Be sure to water the soil around the base of the plant, rather than just the top of the soil. It’s best to water in the morning, so the soil has time to dry throughout the day. Make sure to check the soil’s moisture levels every few days, and water when the soil is dry. During hot and dry conditions, it may require more frequent watering, up to every other day.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Sooty') may require 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day in order to thrive. During the summer months, the plant should receive the most sunlight, and the amount of sunlight should be reduced during the winter. Growers should ensure the plant receives the sunlight during the early parts of the day, ideally between 8 am and 12 pm. When the temperatures outside increase, it is wise to move the plant to partial shade for protection against sunburn.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus ‘Sooty’) should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, shortly before new growth appears. Pruning should be done by cutting back the stems of the plant to about 6 inches tall. This will help encourage bushy growth and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. It is best not to remove more than a third of the stem length when pruning. Cut away any dead or weakened branches immediately after pruning and dispose of them. If the plant has suffered from winter weather damage, prune as necessary to rid the plant of any dead or damaged branches.