Sweet William 'Indian Carpet Mix' Seeds

Sweet William is a classic Biennial.

It operates on a two-year cycle, requiring patience that pays off.

The Strategy: Sow seeds in summer (June/July). The plants will establish a low green mat of foliage before winter, then burst into flower the following May/June.

Top Tip: Don't bury the seeds! Like all Dianthus, they need a little light to germinate, so just press them firmly onto the soil surface.

This is a robust, hardy little plant that is very easy to raise from seed.

Germination:
Sow outdoors in a seedbed or pots from May to July. Scatter seeds thinly on the surface of moist compost/soil and cover with a barely-there dusting of vermiculite. Keep moist. Germination is rapid (7-14 days). Transplant to their final flowering position in Autumn.

Where to Sow:
They prefer full sun but tolerate light shade. They thrive in alkaline (chalky) or neutral soil that drains well. Because they are low-growing, plant them at the very front of the border so they don't get lost.

Care While Growing:
They are very low maintenance. Water during dry spells in their first summer to help them establish. Deadhead the spent flower heads to keep the carpet looking neat and to encourage a longer flush of colour.

'Indian Carpet' is a low-grower, so it needs partners that won't overshadow it or that bloom at different times:

• 🌷 Spring Bulbs (Tulips): The classic strategy. Plant 'Indian Carpet' over your Tulip bulbs in autumn. As the Tulips fade in May, the Sweet William foliage will hide the dying bulb leaves, and then burst into flower just as the Tulips finish.
• 💜 Nepeta 'Mussinii' (Catmint): For a soft edge. Both plants are low-growing and mound-forming. The soft blue of the Catmint provides a calming contrast to the vibrant reds and pinks of the Sweet William mix.

Sow in summer for flowers the following year.