Sweet Williams (Dianthus barbatus) are some of the toughest little flowers out there. Originally hailing from places as diverse as Russia, China, the Balkans, and the Pyrenees, these plants are built to handle just about any climate you throw at them. That’s great news for us gardeners because it means they are incredibly easy to grow outdoors right here at home.
Store-Bought vs. Harvested Seeds
When it comes to sowing Sweet Williams, you’ve got two choices: grab a packet of seeds from the store or use seeds you’ve collected from your own garden the previous year. If you go the DIY route, just keep in mind that you’re in for a bit of a mystery! Since Sweet Williams don’t bloom until their second year, you’ll be waiting a while to see what color they turn out to be. Because of cross-pollination, the “babies” might not look exactly like the “parents.” If you have a specific color scheme in mind for your flower bed, stick with store-bought seeds to be safe.
How to Collect Your Own Seeds
If you’re like me and love a good garden surprise, collecting your own seeds is the way to go. You’ll want to wait until late in the fall to make sure the seeds are fully mature and ready to sprout. You’ll know it’s time when the seed pods pop open and the seeds easily spill out into your hand. A nice bonus? Sweet Williams aren’t toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any special safety precautions around kids or pets. Just make sure to store your harvest in a cool, dark, and dry spot until you’re ready to plant.
Sowing the Seeds
Once spring rolls around, it’s time to get planting! There’s really no need to start these indoors; they do perfectly fine germinating outside in the cool spring air. Here is the simple game plan:
- Pick out a nice, sunny spot in your garden.
- Scatter the seeds across the soil.
- Cover them with just a very thin layer of dirt.
- Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy!) until they take off.
