Sweet Williams

For years I have had a clump of ( I guess ) wild sweet williams ( since I never planted them ) today I went out to dead head all the old flowers and notice the seeds. I cut the heads off and shook all of them into a pot. Can I plant them next year or is there something I have to do with them first. I live in Northeast Penna. so we do get quite the deep frost during the winter. They always come back in the same spot so I can only think they are self seeding themselves. One or two will pop up around the yard but for the most part they stay pretty much where they are, give or take a foot.

Most dianthus are perennial or biennial. With this in mind some flower the second year. So most likely they are not self seeding. They come back from the root every year. But sure you can plant your seeds this year or next year. Make sure they are clean and dry if you want to save the seeds. Then just put them in an envelope or ziplock baggie. Also you can separate your plants and put some where you would like for them to be. I have seen dianthus grown from seed bloom the same year, just depends on what kind it is. Hope this little info helps

Thanks, I'll try both and see what happens

Hi: Kim has good advice. you might try placing some of the seeds in the veggie crisper of the refridgerator. This will give your seeds a false winter. I like to use between 8 and 16 weeks to help seeds get beyond the cold period some seeds need to germinate.
Just of the top of my head I don't believe dianthus requires a cold spell, but it would make a neat experiment. If you do this please share the results so we will know for sure.
Dave

Thanks Dave,

I will try that and let you know how I make out. I have done the refrigerator thing with Maple seeds and it does seem to work.

Rodger

Rodger: I am not possitive dianthus requires it but it makes sense to me.
Dave

Do you have any pics of the flowers?

Sorry, they had already bloomed and gone to seed before I posted. One set is deep dark red, the others are pink and white and red and white. It seems like the solid red ones last the longest, and had the most seeds. I have dug them up and moved them without dividing them and have also divided some of the bigger ones. The main patch ( probably 6 x 8 ft) was actually hidden in the woods and when I started cleaning them out I noticed them and I have been taking pieces from it without any apparent lost. Since then I have cleaned out that whole section and just kept them where they were. They kind of just sit there on the side of the yard and do their thing every year.

I used to grow Sweet Williams in Indiana. They were so fragrant. Too bad they won't grow in South Florida. We can't even grow Shasta Daisies here...another of my favorites.

Hmmm. I used to grow them in sarasota on the golf course I work on. what happens when you plant them? I am curious as to why they wont grow for you.
Dave