Sweet William 'Auricula-Eyed' Mixed Seeds

Dianthus barbatus 'Auricula-Eyed' is a Hardy Biennial (H6), often acting as a short-lived perennial. It operates on a two-year cycle: you sow the seeds in Year 1 to build a strong green rosette, which then produces a spectacular floral display in early summer of Year 2.

The "June Gap" Solution: Sweet Williams are essential for providing a second wind of colour in the garden just as the spring bulbs fade and the main summer perennials are still forming their buds. This mix is particularly prized for its uniformity and the intricate "eyes" that mimic the luxury of heritage Primulas.

Wildlife Champion: These fragrant blooms are highly attractive to butterflies and moths. They are listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, as their single flower heads provide easy access to nectar during the critical mid-season period.

Sweet Williams are robust and remarkably easy to grow, but they require light to wake the seeds up.

How to Sow:
Sow outdoors in a nursery bed or modules from May to July. Scatter the seeds on the surface of moist compost and do not cover the seeds—they need light to germinate. Simply press them firmly onto the surface or rake in very lightly. You should see seedlings emerge in 7-14 days.

Where to Plant:
Plant out into their final flowering positions in September or October. They demand a spot in full sun (or very light shade) and thrive best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (lime or chalk). They do not like sitting in wet, acidic bogs over the winter.

Ongoing Care:
Water during dry spells in their first year. Once they rise to flower in their second year, they are very sturdy and rarely need staking. Deadheading will encourage a longer flowering season, but if you allow some heads to set seed, they will often self-sow to provide more plants for the future.

The nostalgic, variegated tones of 'Auricula-Eyed' Mixed are perfect for layering with other cottage classics from our website :

• 🏰 Foxglove 'Alba White': The Stature Pair. The tall, elegant white spires of the Foxgloves rise behind the dense clusters of Sweet William, creating a magnificent vertical contrast that frames the intricate patterns of the 'Auricula-Eyed' blooms.
• ❄️ Forget-me-not 'Victoria Mixed': The Texture Haze. For a softer look, plant Sweet Williams in drifts with a low frothy understory of pink and white Forget-me-nots. They bloom in succession, ensuring the border stays filled with colour throughout late spring and early summer.

Sow in summer for flowers from June to July the following year.