Imperial Crimson Velvet Sweet William is a striking heirloom Dianthus with deep crimson blooms that bring richness to spring and summer gardens. This compact cultivar reaches 18 to 24 inches tall and thrives in hardiness zones 3 through 3, making it surprisingly cold-hardy for gardeners in challenging climates. The velvety texture of its flowers and deer-resistant nature mean once you plant it, you get reliable color year after year with minimal fuss.
8
Full Sun
Moderate
3-3
24in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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Deep crimson petals with a velvety appearance make this heirloom Dianthus a standout from early spring through midsummer. The compact 18 to 24-inch height works beautifully in borders, cottage gardens, and containers without requiring staking. Deer leave it alone, it handles dry spells gracefully, and it attracts pollinators while asking very little in return. Space it 8 inches apart and you'll have a full, floriferous display that returns reliably in zone 3.
Imperial Crimson Velvet Sweet William is grown primarily as a flowering ornamental for garden display. Its compact stature and long bloom season from spring through summer make it excellent for flower borders, cottage garden arrangements, and cut flower harvest. The deep crimson color adds striking contrast in mixed plantings and works well in formal garden settings or naturalized meadows.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow at a depth of 1/16 inch on moist soil and maintain temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Once seedlings emerge, lower the temperature to 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage sturdy growth before transplanting outdoors.
Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before transplanting. Space plants 8 inches apart after the danger of hard frost has passed. You can also sow directly outdoors in spring for blooms the following year, or sow from spring through midsummer for flowers in subsequent seasons.
Direct sow seeds in spring through midsummer, planting at a depth of 1/16 inch. Seedlings should emerge within 7 to 14 days. Direct sowing in late spring or summer means your plants will establish and bloom the following year rather than the current season.
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