Sweet William is one of the biennial summer flowers. In the first year they are sown and grow, but do not flower until the second year. Ideally, they will survive the winter outside in the garden bed, but occasionally only with additional protection.
Sweet William should always be overwintered outdoors
You should therefore not sow your sweet William too late, otherwise the young plants will still be very sensitive when winter begins. Cover them with a layer of bark mulch, brushwood or leaves. This is usually sufficient as protection against the cold. Overwintering in frost-free indoor areas does more harm than good to the Sweet William.
Potted plants should also overwinter outside. Protect the roots of your sweet William from frost by wrapping the planter in an old blanket or fleece and then placing it in a spot where it will be sheltered from the freezing wind.
The essentials in brief:
- hardy
- Cover young plants with brushwood if necessary
- Protect potted plants from frost
tips
Sweet William should always overwinter outside!