Dianthus - Garden Basics - Flower - Annual
(Dianthus chinensis)
Unlike
other members of the carnation family, this short, tufty plant
is only slightly scented. It has gray-green leaves and single
and double flowers in mixed colors, including red, and red and
white bicolors. It grows 8-12 inches high and is suitable for
massed planting, edging and flowerboxes or pots. It does best
in cool zones but is also suitable for warm areas. It needs full
sun and well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil by working in some lime. Best results are achieved from a spring sowing. Cover the seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. When seedlings are 1-2 inches high, space them at six-inch intervals. Don't overwater as it causes the foliage to yellow. Unless the weather is very dry a weekly watering should be enough. It is possible to get a second season out of these flowers, but it is usually a poor showing.
- Type
annual -
Propagation
seeds -
Light
full sun, full sun -
Flower Color
pinks, rose, white -
Bloom Time
late winter to early spring -
Height
8-12 inches -
Width
6 inches -
Soil Requirements
most any soil, good drainage, alkaline pH -
Zones
all, best in cool climates -
Uses
cutting bed, border, flowerboxes and pots
