sweet William

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Heart Attack') should be watered deeply about once every 5 - 7 days depending on the temperature and weather conditions. In hot, dry weather it may need to be watered more often, and during cooler, wetter weather it may need to be watered less often. When watering, make sure to soak the soil thoroughly and water the leaves and stems as well. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between waterings for best results.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Heart Attack') prefers full sun for a minimum of 6-8 hours per day. When grown in partial shade, the plant will produce fewer blooms and will have a less full habit. The ideal location is in a sunny spot that receives morning sun and some shade from hot afternoon sun. This sun/shade combination will help the plant produce its best display of flowers. During periods of extreme heat, providing some afternoon shade may help the plant retain moisture.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Heart Attack') should be pruned in the springtime, right after it blooms. To keep this plant looking its best, the old blooms should be removed and any stems that have died due to cold temperatures and pests should also be pruned away. For best results, prune the plant back to 1-third to 1-half its original size. This will promote bushy growth and encourage new stems and flowers to form. Pruning too severely can reduce the number of blooms produced, so take care not to prune away too much of the plant.