How to Grow a Dianthus Plant

Carnations are a member of the dianthus family.

A longtime favorite of homeowners and gardeners because of its bright colors and intoxicating fragrance, the dianthus genus has over 300 species, including pinks, sweet William and carnations. Started from seeds or bedding plants, members of the dianthus family are ideal for containers and gardens. Because of the wide range of species, you can grow dianthus to fit your needs for height, size and color. Dianthus plants can be annuals, biennials, tender perennials or hardy perennials, depending on the species and variety.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds
• Planting containers
• All-purpose potting soil
• Balanced liquid fertilizer
• Organic material or compost (optional)
• Hand pruners or clippers

Instructions

1. Fill your growing containers with clean, well-draining potting soil.

2. Sow your dianthus seeds to a depth of 1/8 inch in the potting soil, then firmly pat down the surface soil.

3. Water the sown seeds to keep the soil moist, but not saturated, until the seeds sprout and begin to grow. Be sure not to overwater. Keep the soil lightly moist until you are ready to transplant the seedlings into your garden.

4. Amend your garden soil with organic material or compost, if needed, to ensure good drainage. Dianthus does not like soggy soil or overwatering, which may turn the foliage yellow.

5. Plant your dianthus plants at a depth at which only the root crown will be below the soil, not the stem. Space your plants 12 to 18 inches apart.

6. Water your dianthus plants when the surface soil becomes dry; usually once a week is sufficient for established plants. During extreme heat spells, more frequent watering may be required.

7. Fertilize your dianthus every six to eight weeks with an equally balanced liquid fertilizer, like 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, for continuous blooming. Follow the instructions for application on the container.

Tips & Warnings

• Start the seeds of your dianthus indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost of spring. This will improve the chances that the dianthus plants will bloom the first growing season.

• Select locations for your dianthus plants that will receive at least four to five hours of sun per day. Most dianthus species will tolerate partial shade, but must have several hours of sunlight a day to thrive and bloom.

• Clip the dead blossoms from your dianthus plant to encourage blooming and avoid reseeding. Many dianthus species easily reseed themselves if not continually deadheaded.

• Do not mulch around your dianthus plants. Mulching covers the stems and restricts the air circulation the dianthus stems require.

References

• Colorado State University: The Year of the Dianthus
• Botanical Journeys Plant Guide: About Planting and Growing Carnations