Dianthus barbatus 'Purple Crown'

Sow seed on the surface of a good free draining, damp, seed compost and cover with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 15-20C (59-68F). Germination usually takes 14-30 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Alternatively, seeds can also be sown outdoors where they are to flower, 6mm (1/4in) deep, in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Later, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Transplant 30cm (12in) apart into flowering site in the autumn for flowering the following year.

Feed and water Sweet William plants regularly until they are fully established. Deadhead faded Sweet William flowers to encourage more blooms to be produced throughout the summer.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.