Dianthus
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
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Height: 30-60cm. Position: Full Sun. Spacing: 15-30cm.
Type : Flower
A group of flowers including Pinks, Carnations and Sweet William.
Outdoor Sowing
Sow direct in summer for flowering the following year.
Sow Carnations 0.5cm deep, 25-30cm apart for a dense, lush display. Pinks are smaller, and can be 15-30cm apart.
Germination in 2-3 weeks.
Indoor Sowing
Sow indoors for blooms the same year. Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Germination in 2-3 weeks.
Propogation
Dianthus can be Divided, which can stimulate older plants.
For Perennials, take cuttings from the terminal growth about 10-15cm long, removing at least two of three of the lower leaves. Place the cuttings into sand for 3-4 weeks.
Maintenance
Do not over water, dianthus prefer dry conitions. Only water during prolonged dry periods.
Pinch out the growing tips for bushy plants, or for a single large flower, pinch out side buds, leaving just the single, main bud.
Deadhead to encorage more flowers.
Varieties
Baby Doll
A mixure of pink and white flowers
Chianti Double
A deep purple flower with white edges.