Once called Bearded Pink for the fuzzy stamen at the center of the blooms, sweet William has been grown in gardens since monasteries cultivated herb gardens. Unlike its beautiful and medicinal cousin the carnation, it was raised as an ornament, fitting as it is found in a vast array of colors and bicolors and historically, with doubled flowers. This modern variety blooms the same year from a late winter sowing indoors. Loved for its unique purple stitched flowers among the mix of vibrant purple, violet, and burgundy tones, it is excellent cut and is exceptionally long-lasting in the vase.