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DIANTHUS GUIDES

dianthus seedlings in a tray

Container GrowingDeadheadingGrowing From SeedPropagationVarietiesWatering

Dianthus is a varied genus of flower plant .

There are a wide range of mountains of dissimilar Dianthus to prefer from , the most pop of which are garden pinks , carnations and Sweet Williams .

pink flowering dianthus growing in a pot

Many Dianthus are comparatively easy to originate from seed .

When Dianthus seed should be sown depends on which type you are growing :

Read on for more information about the above , to learn how to grow the most pop garden Dianthus varieties from seed .

a potting tray, flowering pink plant and watering can together

When To Sow Dianthus Seeds

It is of import to read that Dianthus is a genus which includes a routine of unlike types of flower ordinarily grown in UK garden .

The most pop types are pinks ( e.g. D. caryophyllusandD. superbus ) and Sweet William ( D. barbatus ) .

pink are typically sown undercover in former winter or early spring , around 6 - 8 week before the last icing date in your area .

seeds, compost, small pots together on a potting tray

They will typically bloom in their 2d year .

Some varieties of Sweet William can also be seed in a heated propagator in February or March and may then flower the same year .

However , most are sown in May - July , either where they are to grow , or in pots / semen tray for flowers the undermentioned summer .

hand holding compost

1) Prepare Seed Trays & Growing Medium

Whichever case of Dianthus you are growing , they require free - debilitate circumstance .

So when fix your seeded player trays of modest pots for seed sowing ( when not sow directly ) , you should make certain that the medium is free draining , and that the container allows any supernumerary piddle to run out away freely .

Choose a seed - starting compost and ensure that it is just moist before sowing your seeds .

dianthus plant being placed in a larger pot

2) Sow Dianthus Seeds

When sow Dianthus seeds , the most important thing to remember is that seeds should be sown on the aerofoil , or covered only very softly , as light is required for sprouting to take place .

think that for some Dianthus varietals , seeded indoors or under cover early in the yr , a heated propagator may be required for germination to take place .

3) Thin Dianthus Seedlings

Once germination takes place and seedling emerge , these should be part into their own individual pot to be grown on , or thinned to an appropriate spacing if direct sown .

Sweet Williams are typically thin to around 30 cm aside , for example .

4) Plant Out Your Dianthus

When plant out Dianthus it is of course important to see which eccentric you are growing and their specific needs .

Dianthus in general prefer a spot in full sun , with free - draining status , in alkaline or indifferent stain .

“ As many potting compost are slightly acid , it is worth adding calcified seaweed to ensure the pH of the soil is on the alkaline side of neutral , ” advises Roy Nicol , a Professional Gardener and Horticultural Consultant .

watering flowering pinks

Typically , Dianthus mature from seed indoors will be planted out once all risk of frost has passed .

However , Sweet Williams are often develop on in pots in a nerveless and sheltered spot .

Leave them there until their roots are well established and do not post them out into their final grow positions until early fall , to flower the undermentioned summer .