The Bride White Sweet Sultan

"The Bride" White Sweet Sultan features fluffy, feathery, thistle-like blooms in pure white. This delightful plant adds a soft, romantic touch to flower beds and borders. Growing up to 3 feet tall, Sweet Sultan produces long, slender stems that make it perfect for fresh-cut flower arrangements. Each bloom can reach about 2-3 inches in diameter, releasing a sweet, honey-like fragrance that attracts butterflies and pollinators. This old-fashioned favorite has been cherished for centuries for its beauty and easy-going nature. The unique, soft texture of the flowers creates a whimsical, almost fairy-tale-like quality in the garden. Sweet Sultan is also an outstanding choice for wildflower meadows and cottage gardens, where its delicate appearance blends beautifully with other blossoms.

Also Known Imperial Cornflower, Sweet Sultan, Giant Knapweed, Amberboa, Yellow Sweet Sultan, Purple Sweet Sultan, White Sweet Sultan, Pink Sweet Sultan, Centaurea Moschata, Fragrant Cornflower.

Plant Name:	Sweet Sultan, The Bride
Latin Name:	Centaurea imperialis, Amberboa moschata
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	85
Plant Height:	2 - 3 Feet
Spread:	9 - 12 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	2 - 3 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	3-12
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier.

Planting:

Sweet Sultans are best direct-sown because they don’t transplant well. Plant seeds directly outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Scatter the seeds over the prepared soil surface and lightly press them 1/8 inch into the soil or cover seeds thinly with soil, since these seeds need light to germinate. Gently water after planting. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 8-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	8-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Once established, sweet sultans are drought-tolerant and require minimal care. Water sparingly, only during prolonged dry spells, and avoid overwatering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.