Dianthus Seeds - Sweet William, Pinks & Carnations - Fragrant Cottage Garden Favorites

Intoxicating Fragrance, Vibrant Colours, and Exceptional Cutting Quality.

Nothing defines the charm of a British summer garden quite like the Dianthus. Known fondly by their common names—Sweet Williams, Pinks, and Carnations—this genus is beloved for its fringed petals and signature "clove" scent. Whether you are looking for the biennial structure of Sweet Williams or the perennial beauty of Garden Pinks, our Dianthus collection offers easy-to-grow varieties that provide a carpet of colour and a wealth of stems for the vase.

Each variety in our collection has been selected for its robust garden performance and intense fragrance. From the cottage-border favorite Dianthus barbatus to the sophisticated Dianthus caryophyllus, these seeds are the perfect choice for gardeners who value both sensory beauty and pollinator-friendly blooms.

A Symphony of Scent and Colour for Borders and Bouquets.

• Exquisite Fragrance: Most varieties boast a rich, spicy clove scent that fills the garden on warm summer evenings.

• Pollinator Magnet: The nectar-rich blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

• Superb Cut Flowers: With excellent vase life and sturdy stems, Dianthus are a staple for home-grown floral arrangements.

• Versatile Growth: Choose from dwarf varieties for pots and rockeries, or tall, majestic types for the back of a sunny border.

Featured Varieties Available:

• Sweet William: Loved for their dense clusters of flowers and bicolour "eyes."

• Garden Pinks: Low-growing, hardy, and famous for their intricately fringed petal edges.

• Border Carnations: The professional’s choice for large, double-ruffled blooms and long stems.

Growing Instructions

• Variety: Dianthus (Various Species)

• Position: Full Sun; requires well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.

• Sow Indoors: February to April (for some same-year flowering).

• Sow Outdoors: May to July (to flower the following summer).

• Sowing Depth: 0.5cm (1/4in).

• Spacing: 20cm–30cm depending on variety.

• Maturity: Blooms June to September.

Gardener’s Tip: Dianthus thrive in "sweet" (alkaline) soil. If your soil is acidic, add a little garden lime before planting. To prolong the flowering season, "deadhead" faded blooms regularly; this encourages the plant to produce a second flush of flowers rather than putting energy into seed production.