Dianthus is a popular flower loved for its frilly, colorful blooms and heavenly scent. These hardy plants come in a variety of forms, from low-growing groundcover to tall cutting plants. With their long blooming season and easy care requirements, it’s no wonder dianthus are a favorite among gardeners. Learning how to properly plant and care for dianthus ensures you’ll have lovely flowers from this traditional cottage garden plant.
When and How to Plant Dianthus Seeds
Dianthus seeds can be directly sown in the garden in spring or fall. For an earlier bloom time and to get a head start on the growing season, you can begin dianthus seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected spring frost.
Starting Dianthus Seeds Indoors
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Fill starter pots or trays with a well-draining seed starting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.
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Sow seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover with 1⁄4 inch more mix or vermiculite.
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Water gently to avoid displacing seeds. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
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Place containers in a warm, sunny area or under grow lights. Ideal germination temperature is 65-70°F.
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Thin seedlings after they develop true leaves. Transplant seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall.
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Harden off young plants for 7-10 days before transplanting into the garden after frost danger has passed
Direct Sowing Dianthus Outdoors
Dianthus seeds can be directly sown into outdoor beds once temperatures warm up in spring. Follow these tips:
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Prepare soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter to improve drainage. Dianthus prefer well-drained, average soils.
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Sow seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in rows or clusters, spacing about 8-12 inches apart.
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Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently. Keep soil moist but not saturated for germination.
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Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart after they sprout.
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Mulch beds after thinning to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Caring for Dianthus Plants
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Site dianthus in full sun for best flower production. They tolerate light shade.
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Water dianthus regularly during the first season to establish an extensive root system. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
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Fertilize plants monthly with a balanced flower fertilizer or compost tea.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
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Divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall.
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Watch for signs of fungal diseases like leaf spots or rust. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Tips for Growing Dianthus
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Choose a variety suited to your climate and growing conditions. Alpine, border, and cottage pinks are some common types.
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Give plants plenty of space for air circulation to prevent fungal disease.
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Grow dianthus as edging plants, in rock gardens and containers. The low-growing varieties work well in front of borders.
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Cut dianthus flowers for pretty posies. The blooms last 1-2 weeks in arrangements.
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Propagate plants from cuttings taken in summer. Use a rooting hormone for quicker root formation.
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In cold climates, protect plants with a winter mulch. Some may need replacement every few years.
With proper planting and care, dianthus will provide seasons of frilly, brightly colored blooms and sweet fragrance. Start dianthus from seeds either indoors or directly in the garden bed. Water new plants consistently, fertilize monthly, and remove spent blooms to keep plants looking their best. Choose an appropriate dianthus variety for your climate and landscape needs, and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
Is Dianthus a Perennial or Annual?
Dianthuses can be annual, biennial, or perennial. Dianthuses genus covers over 300 species; as a gardeners’ favorite, they have been extensively bred and hybridized. Most varieties are 10 to 20 inches tall, but dianthus varieties range from annual creeping ground covers to 24-inch (or longer) long-stemmed perennials (such as carnations) suitable for cutting. This genus also includes Sweet Williams (D. barbatus), which are biennial or short-lived perennials. Depending on the variety, dianthuses bring cheer to sunny garden borders, rock gardens, or containers; they especially look great as bedding plants when massed together. Read Next
Dianthuses demand full sun (they fail to thrive in shade) and well-draining soil (standing water will rot the roots). Improve the soil drainage if necessary (e.g., mix in compost with heavy soil).
Planting, Growing, and Caring for Dianthus
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Darling dianthus flowers bring beguiling fragrance and cheerful color to sunny borders or containers. Also known as “pinks,” this hardy, adaptable plant ranges from low-growing annuals to taller perennials (such as carnations). If you deadhead, dianthus will keep reblooming from spring sometimes until fall frost! Learn more about how to plant dianthuses.
Ancient Greek botanist Theophrastus (c.371–c.287 B.C.) gave the Dianthus genus its name: “divine flower” (dios + anthos). Ever since, gardeners have been smitten with these plants’ charms: a sweet and spicy fragrance and lovely fringed blossoms in many colors (intense pink, white, lavender, yellow, red, bicolor).
Dianthus plants have been cultivated for thousands of years. They were popular in ancient Greece, where they were considered a divine flower and dedicated to Zeus. The name dianthus comes from the Greek word dios for “god” and anthos for “flower.” They were very popular in Tudor and Edwardian times when they were called by picturesque names like gillyflower, pheasant’s ear, and sops-in-wine. Some antique varieties, like ‘Fenbow’s Clove Pink’ can be traced back to the 14th century. Colonists brought their favorite dianthuses with them to the New World along with their other cherished possessions and mention of gillyflowers is noted in America as early as 1676.
Dianthus are popular for many reasons. Besides being hardy and adaptable, they are also long-blooming and will flower prolifically through the summer season if you deadhead the faded flowers. And their fragrance is lovely—similar to cloves. The flowers also attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators to the garden. And, they’re deer-resistant!
The common name “pinks” is not because of their most common color (an intense pink) but for the unique fringed or jagged edges of their 5-petal blooms that look like they’ve been cut with pinking shears.
Even when they are not in bloom, dianthuses are attractive plants. Most form neat mounds and many have fine, blue-green foliage making them perfect front of the border plants.
How to Grow Dianthus (Pinks) from Seed
FAQ
Should I soak dianthus seeds?
How to Sow Dianthus Seeds. Dianthus seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
What month do you plant dianthus?
Bloom time: Spring to early summer; some rebloom intermittently or continuously through summer and fall. All benefit from regular dead-heading. When to plant: Perennial types are best planted during cooler months in spring or fall. This is to encourage deep rooting and compact shape.
Will dianthus come back every year?
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Perennial Dianthus:These are the longest-lived types of dianthus, returning every year.
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Lifespan:While they are perennials, dianthus tend to become woody after about six years and may lose their attractiveness, so they are best replaced at that point.
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Propagation:You can easily propagate new dianthus plants from cuttings of existing plants, allowing you to replace them without needing to buy new ones.
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Care:To encourage fresh growth, cut back dead stems and foliage in late autumn or early winter, promoting new foliage in the spring.
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Types:Dianthus plants also come in annual and biennial varieties, which will die back after one or two growing seasons, respectively.
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Growing Conditions:Dianthus thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, but they don’t like high heat or humidity.
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Blooming:Dianthus are cool-season plants that bloom best in spring and fall, and they will go dormant with frost or temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you plant Dianthus seeds?
To plant Dianthus seeds, you will need: 1. Fill the pots or trays with seed starting mix. 2. Press the seeds into the soil about 1/4 inch deep. 3. Mist the seeds with water. 4. Cover the pots or trays with plastic wrap or a clear lid. 5. Place the pots or trays in a warm, sunny location. 6. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. 7.
Can you grow Dianthus from seed?
Dianthus seeds can be started indoors or sown outside. If you want your dianthus plants to self-seed, leave some of the flowers at the end of the season. Once established, you can enjoy dianthus for several years. Keep picking the flowers so that they will keep growing. Plant dianthus from seed in your cutting or cottage garden.
How do you propagate Dianthus?
Dianthus plants can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. To propagate Dianthus by seed, sow the seeds in early spring or fall. To propagate Dianthus by division, divide the plants in the spring or fall. To propagate Dianthus by cuttings, take cuttings in the spring or summer. What are the different varieties of Dianthus plants?
How do you grow Dianthus in a greenhouse?
Dianthus plants prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location in the greenhouse that has plenty of sunlight. 2. Prepare the soil. Dianthus seeds need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Fill the pots with soil that meets these requirements. 3. Sow the seeds.
How do I choose a Dianthus seed?
Choose a dianthus variety that is hardy to the same zone or colder. Average first frost date: The average first frost date for your area will tell you when the weather will start to get too cold for dianthus seedlings. Plant your dianthus seeds at least six weeks before the average first frost date.
How long does it take Dianthus to grow?
Press seeds into moist seed starting mix and cover lightly with soil. Keep the seeds moist until they germinate, in 14 to 28 days. Once established, dianthus is easy to care for. With full sun, well-draining soil, and regular deadheading, you can enjoy these beautiful heirloom flowers to their fullest.