Dianthus barbatus 'Indian Carpet Mixed' (National Trust)Sweet William

Sow Sweet William seeds indoors or under glass from January to February as a late flowering annual, or from June to July for flowering the following the spring. Sow on the surface of a good quality seed compost and gently firm down. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 15-20C (59-68F) or seal inside a clear polythene bag until germination which takes 10 - 14 days. Keep the compost damp but not wet and do not exclude light.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3") pots and grow Sweet William plants on in cooler conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting outdoors after all risk of frost has passed. Plant Sweet Williams at a distance of 30cm (12") apart on any fertile, well drained soil in full sun.

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.