By Dennis Sons
If you stand in a field of Sweet William, these delicate little flowers may bring Valentine's Day to mind, with their brilliantly shaded red, white, pink and duo-colored petals of the same shades. If you know that pink is the new black and you want to bring a little style to your garden, but still preserve that classic, sophisticated look you strived so hard to create, there's no better flower for you.
These beautiful flowers are so beloved and so popular that the debate still rages (and gets quite heated) over who the flowers were actually named for. Was it William the Conqueror, Saint William of York or Prince William Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland? With the incredible, vivid colors and visions of life the flowers bring to your garden, does it really matter who they're named for or why?
All Sweet William plants grow from seeds and you typically will not purchase these plants as seedlings or as established plants. You'll most likely plant the seeds right into your outdoor flower garden, though you can plant them indoors and then move the seedlings outside once you are ready and comfortable. You should also hold off on planting seeds or seedlings until the last frost has passed in your area. These small plants don't mind crowding but you should plant them about six inches apart so they have at least a little bit of room to grow.
Sweet William plants love full and direct sunlight and will grow best in soil that drains well and is rich in nutrients. The flowers will not do well in soil that is tightly packed and dry, so you should try to make sure the soil is loose and somewhat moist. But remember, don't over water or have drowned soil or your plants may die. Also, don't forget to keep the weeds out, since weeds can overcrowd and choke your beautiful little flowers.
The most common problems you will face with these little flowers are nematodes and fungus—remember; insects love that pink is back too! The best thing you can do for your little plants is to treat them early on with both insecticides and fungicides to prevent any diseases or insect swarms from destroying your flower bed.
This particular plant is also extremely attractive to butterflies, bees and birds, so you can count on it bringing a whole new life to your garden.
While Sweet William is fragrant and beautiful, the plant also holds some hidden dangers. It is advisable to wear gardening gloves whenever you handle this plant to avoid skin irritation or an allergic reaction due to its more toxic properties. Also, it is important that you not ingest this plant, its roots or its flowers as many parts of the plant are poisonous to people.
Overall, Sweet William is a beautiful, easy to manage plant that will make your garden colorful and sophisticated, as well as making it the ultimate hangout for people, plants and wildlife.
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