Dianthus Growing Guide
Dianthus caryophyllus
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Average garden soil with excellent drainage.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Annual dianthus tolerates light frost with ease, but can be damaged by hard freezes. Where winters are mild, dianthus can be grown as a winter annual.
Feeding
Encourage fast growth by mixing a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting.
Companions
Dianthus combines well with other cold-tolerant annuals including pansies, dusty miller, and ornamental cabbage and kale.
Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Set out stocky seedlings in early spring, or in fall where winters are mild.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Dianthus blooms earlier than other annuals, and well-sited plants may persist for two years in climates with mild winters. Colors include pink, red, lavender, white and many bicolors.
Harvesting
Some varieties have stems long enough for cutting. As flowers fade, snip them off with scissors to keep the plants looking neat.
Troubleshooting
Both rabbits and deer like to nibble dianthus foliage. In summer, spider mites cause occasional problems and can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Dianthus