Biennial Flower
Double Blend Sweet William is a charming cultivar of Dianthus barbatus that brings layers of color and cottage-garden appeal to borders and cutting gardens across zones 3, 9. This biennial reaches 12, 20 inches tall and produces densely clustered flower heads in striking color combinations that seem to blend and swirl together. Growing from seed is straightforward, germinate at 68, 72°F and you'll have blooming plants ready for next year's garden.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-9
20in H x ?in W
Perennial
High
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What sets Double Blend apart is the way its flowers layer multiple colors into single flower heads, creating a painterly effect that changes as you move through the garden. The compact, bushy habit makes it ideal for front borders or mixed containers, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade across a wide range of hardiness zones. These are flowers that reward close inspection, the intricate petal patterns and color blends are what gardeners keep coming back to photograph.
Double Blend Sweet William is grown primarily as an ornamental flower for borders, cottage gardens, and cutting arrangements. The long-lasting flower heads are excellent in fresh bouquets and arrangements, bringing spicy fragrance and visual interest indoors.
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow seeds at a depth of ¼ inch in a seed-starting mix and keep temperatures between 68–72°F for optimal germination. Keep soil moist but not soggy during the germination period.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 8–10 weeks after starting indoors, timing this to occur 1–2 weeks after your average last frost date. Space plants 12 inches apart in their final location, ensuring they receive full sun to partial shade.
Direct sow seeds outside 1–2 weeks after your average last frost date. Continue sowing up until early summer for bloom the following year. Sow at ¼ inch depth directly into prepared garden soil.
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