Dianthus

Growing Guide

The Dianthus family is large and varied and includes evergreen perennials, biennials and annuals. However, the most popular garden type are referred to as ‘garden pinks’. This is not because they are all pink but because the flowers have a serrated edge as if they have been trimmed with pinking shears.Dianthus flowers are also called "pinks". They includs carnations and sweet williams, and are characterized by the spicy fragrance the blooms emit. The plants are small and usually between 15-45 cm tall. Dianthus flowers are most often in pink, salmon, red and white hues. The foliage is slender and sparsely spread on thick stems.

Sown in early spring, it will produce flowers from early summer, usually in around 10 weeks from sowing. Alternatively, grow it as a biennial for blooming in the following spring. Sow seeds indoors or under glass from February to April as a late flowering annual, or from May to July for flowering the following the spring. Sow on the surface of a good quality seed compost and gently firm down. Place the seed tray in a propagator or seal inside a clear polythene bag until germination. Keep the compost damp but not wet and do not exclude light.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm pots and grow the plants on in cooler conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting outdoors after all risk of frost has passed. Plant at a distance of 30cm apart on any fertile, well drained soil in full sun.

TOP TIPS

Many varieties (check your seed pack, or our edible flower guide) are edible. The clove like tasting petals are edible and can be added to cakes, either for flavour or decorating, they are also suitable for soups, salads and sauces too.

Although many are perennial, they are not long lived plants – after a few years they go woody at the base and look rather straggly. They are easily propagated by cuttings as well as growing from seed, so you can create fresh plants each year.

When growing dianthus as a cut flower, wait until the buds have slightly opened before picking – if you pick them when the buds are closed the perfume won’t be as strong. They can last for a couple of weeks in a cool room.