Height:

9.0-11.0 Inches

Spread:

12.0-14.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Red shades

Foliage Color:

Silver/grey shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Bee Friendly

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Cottage Eclectic Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Edging Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Small

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Dianthus grow best in loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils.  Lime can be added to the soil if it is naturally acidic to raise the pH.  Dianthus can be grown in full sun or part shade, but the foliage will not be as lush and fewer flowers will be produced if it is grown in hot, dry areas.  Regular watering during prolonged dry spells will be necessary.  However, they are tolerant of short periods of dryness. 

Do a thorough clean-up in the fall to prevent pest and disease problems, and add a layer of mulch to protect the evergreen foliage.  As soon as the weather begins to warm up, remove all of this mulch to prevent crown rot.

Growing Temperature:

Rooting out: 72-75° F
Growing: 62-65° F

Holding Temperature:

45-50° F or outdoors

Soil PH:

5.5-5.8 (may show iron deficiency symptoms at a pH greater than 6.2)

EC (What is EC?):

1.25-2.0 pour through method

Fertility:

Dianthus are moderate feeders. A good dose of compost or slow-release fertilizer will improve performance.  Sensitive to high salt levels.

For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

For consistent flowering it is recommended to vernalize dianthus for 6-9 weeks.

Pests & Diseases:

To reduce disease, provide good air circulation and maintain humidity levels at 40% to 50%.  Keep foliage dry going into nighttime hours.  Apply appropriate fungicides as needed according to label rates. Planting too deep could lead to crown or root rots, mainly due to Rhizoctonia and Pythium. Dianthus are also susceptible to leaf spots caused by various fungal pathogens such as Alternaria and Cladosporium. Watch for aphids, caterpillars and thrips.

Potting & Timing:

For the best results it is recommended to plant small plugs in mid to late summer to bulk prior to vernalization. This results in a full plant with great flower perfomance in spring. Spring planted dianthus often flower before they achieve the desired size.

Moisture:

Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water well during root development and keep consistently moist for best growth and flowering. Do not allow plants to stay too wet or too dry, as both extremes may lead to root rot issues.

Planting Level:

Place plugs just at soil level, do not plant too deep.

PGRs/Pinching:

One or two foliar applications using a tank mixture of 2,000 ppm daminozide (Dazide or B-Nine) plus 3 ppm uniconazole (Concise or Sumagic) are effective in controlling stem elongation. One pinch is also recommended for dianthus planted from small plugs, especially if they were not pinched in the plug.

Lighting:

Requires high light in production. Long days may enhance growth.

Fun Facts

What came first--the color or the flower? The color we call "pink" was actually named after "Pinks," the common name of Dianthus.

Did you know Dianthus flowers are edible? The individual petals have a sweet taste just like their perfumed scent.

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