Growing Dianthus

Are you planning to grow dianthus in your flower garden? Scroll down to know more about dianthus care instructions.

There are about 300 species of flowering plants under the genus Dianthus. These flowering plants are classified under the family Caryophyllaceae. These varieties include annuals, biennials and perennials. Many hybrid varieties are also available.

It is native to certain regions of Europe and Asia. These are referred to as carnations, sweet William or pinks. Gardening enthusiasts, especially fond of growing flowering plants have a great variety to choose from. Dianthus flowers are beautiful and often used as cut flowers in flower arrangements.

They come in vibrant hues and have a distinctive sweet fragrance. Some of the varieties produce small pink flowers with delicate lacy edges and have spiky blue-green leaves. The height of the plant will vary depending on the variety, but most of the varieties attain a height between 10 to 20 inches.

Dianthus barbaratus (Sweet William), Dianthus chinensis (China Pink), Dianthus alpinus (Alpine Pink), Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink), Dianthus superbus (Large Pink) and Dianthus monspessulanus (Fringed Pink) are some of the popular varieties.

There are many hybrid varieties that are readily available. Bouquet Purple, Melody Pink, Sweet Pink and Dynasty Purple are some of the popular hybrid varieties.

If you wish to grow this beautiful flowering plant in your garden, you need to consider several aspects such as selection of the site, quality of soil, mulching, watering and fertilizing. Read on to find dianthus care instructions. These will surely come in handy if you are planning to grow this flowering plant.

This plant will grow well at a place where they receive ample sunshine. These should not be planted at a site where sunlight may be blocked by trees or any structure. These must receive at least 4-5 hours of sunshine.

If you want the plant to grow fast, ensure that the soil is fertile and well-drained. Soil should be a bit alkaline with 6.75 pH. Though this plant may grow well in well-drained sandy soil, it is best to add rotted leaves, compost, pine needles or materials that may retain moisture and nutrients.

You can add a two inch layer of compost and manure on the surface of the soil. Use a shovel to mix it in the soil.

You could grow it by sowing seeds or transplanting. Some of the perennial flower varieties can be grown by tip cuttings, layering or division. Seeds can be sown in the spring season. You could also sow them in your garden in early summer.

Though these plants are hardy, these do not like excessive humidity. You may water it from time to time during dry summer. It would be best to water it in the morning. Do test the soil for moisture during the summer season. Water it if the surface looks dry.

Well-rotted manure must be used at the time of planting. A balanced fertilizer which has nitrogen, phosphate and potassium in equal ratios should be used to enrich the soil. You also need to replenish the soil with fertilizer during the bloom season.

Pinching the shoots will encourage prolific flowering. If you ignore this, the number of blooms would be less. If you wish to get bigger blooms than getting many blooms, remove the surplus buds from the plant. Get rid of the thin side stalks frequently. This will allow the crown bud to develop on each flowering stem.

These were instructions that should be followed by those who wish to grow dianthus. If you follow these instructions, you will soon be able to see beautiful and fragrant flowers in your garden.