Sweet sultan is also known by the name ‘bachelor button’. This annual plant can grow to a height of approximately 3 feet, with shiny flowers that look somewhat like thistles. Shaped like funnels, the flowers have fringed margins which blossom in summer and last till the early parts of fall and are noted for their sweet fragrance. The flowers are available in the shades of purple, lavender, rose, pink, red, yellow, burgundy and white with either white or yellow centres. The minute leaves are usually grey and are spiny and toothy at the margins.

Sweet sultan grows well in bright sunlight. The soil must be moderately fertile, preferably containing lime. The plant can survive extreme drought conditions and can be found in extensive areas like Portugal, the Mediterranean, Iran, Iraq and also in Asia.

Due to its exquisite look and pleasant fragrance sweet sultan is accepted by all as a popular flower. Its easy propagation has made it a well known garden flower, however, it is more famous as a cut flower.