How to Grow and Care for Carnations, Pinks and Sweet Williams

and other Dianthus Plants

Dianthus means divine flower
There are over 300 species of Dianthus, as well as hundreds of beautiful hybrids
Dianthus Plants produce richly fragrant flowers in the spring or summer, sometimes extending right up until the first frost!

Growing Requirements for Dianthus Plants

The Dianthus genus includes annuals, biennials and perennials.
Most Dianthus prefer slightly alkaline soil and dislike heat.
Most garden varieties of Dianthus plants are from 10 to 20 inches tall,
however some species can vary from 2 inches to 3 feet tall in height.

Planting Your Dianthus in the Garden

Dianthus should be planted where they will receive at least 4-5 hours of full sun each day.
They thrive in fertile, fast draining, slightly alkaline (pH 6.75) soil.
Avoid over-watering Dianthus because it may tend to turn their foliage yellow.
Usually a weekly watering of established plants will suffice unless the weather is extremely dry.
Dianthus will often reseed themselves, so don't be too hasty in removing spent plants from the ground.
Spent flowers should be removed promptly to promote continued blooming.
Plant Dianthus species 12 to 18 inches apart and at the same depth at which they were previously growing.
The crown, (top of the root structure) must be level with the surface of the soil. Never bury any part of the stems.
Unlike most other plants, Dianthus plants should not be mulched.
Dianthus require good air circulation around the stems at all times and must be kept as free from lingering moisture as possible.

For continued blooming feed lightly every 6 to 8 weeks with an all-purpose (10-10-10) liquid fertilizer.

Propagating Dianthus Plants

Perennial varieties of Dianthus can be propagated by tip cuttings, layering and division.

All varieties of Dianthus can be grown from seeds sown in spring or early in the summer, directly into the garden.

Growing Dianthus Plants from Seed

You can start Dianthus seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost is expected for spring planting and blooms during the first year.
If you prefer, you can sow the seeds directly into a sunny location in the garden.
Plant your seeds 1/8" deep in light, well-drained soil.
Firm the soil over your seeds and keep it moist until the plants are sprouted and have begun growing.
These directly sown plants will probably not flower until the following year.

Dianthus Cuttings, Layering and Division

Softwood tip cuttings taken from your Dianthus plants in the spring or in early summer will be ready to be planted in the garden by fall.
These plants will not flower until the following year.
Dianthus are also easily increased by division.
Dividing your Dianthus plant has the additional benefit of rejuvenating older, non productive clumps.
Dig up an entire Dianthus clump and either pull it apart using your hands to separate the plant segments.
You can also use two gardening forks inserted in the center of the clump to gently pry the plant apart.
Replant each new division as you would a new perennial or annual, and water it in very well.
Tip layering is also an easy way to propagate new Dianthus plants
Simply pin or peg a growing tip of your plant to the ground
and wait for the roots to develop before severing the new plant from the mother

**Dianthus Plants**
Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus	Garden Pink Dianthus superbus	Sweet William Dianthus barbatus