Sweet William Seeds (Dianthus barbatus)

Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.
Thomas Jefferson observed "sweet William began to open" at Shadwell on April 16, 1767, reported flowers in May and June of 1782, and also planted this biennial in an oval flower bed at Monticello in 1807. Sweet William is often associated with early American gardens and continues to be cherished for its large clusters of red, pink, and white blooms. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.

Sow seeds indoors in summer and transplant the seedlings to individual pots before moving to the garden in early fall. The plants will establish crowns of leaves before heavy frost and bloom the next spring. Approximately 50-65 seeds per packet.