flower seeds part shade Botanical Interests, Inc

Charming large clusters of edible, double flowers in a myriad of colors, and one of the longest lasting cut flowers available! In the garden, butterflies and bees love the sweet and spicy scented flowers. In the kitchen, the mild-clove-flavored petals make a colorful garnish to salads, desserts, and cold drinks. (The flower's central disk, while edible, can be bitter.) As a biennial, Sweet William forms a lovely plant the first year, then flowers the second. In mild climates, plants may return the following year. However, for the best flower production, we recommend reseeding every year so you'll be sure to always have flowering plants.

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Native: Europe, Asia

Hardiness: Biennial or short-lived perennial in USDA zones 3–9. Foliage first year, flowers second year.

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Bloom Period: Spring to early summer

Plant Dimensions: 12"–20" tall and wide

Variety Info: ½" white, pink, rose, red, purplish, bi-colored flowers in densely packet flattened heads (3"–5" diameter).

Attributes: Cut Flower, Deer Resistant, Edible Flower

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. Sow up until early summer for bloom the following year. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 68°–72°F.

When to Start Inside: 8 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date.

Days to Emerge: 5–10 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"

Thinning: When ½" tall, thin to 1 every 12"