Loved and admired by people for its frilled petals and spicy fragrance, Dianthus is popularly referred to as the ‘Divine flower’. This charming flower is a wonderful addition to any garden around the world. The name of the flower comes from two different Greek words: dios and anthos, which mean divine and flower, respectively.
The name of the flower shows its long association with beauty and admiration. So, if you are looking for a flower that is hardy, colourful, and easy to grow, then Dianthus is a wonderful choice, and here in the guide, we will tell you everything that you need to know about cultivating this charming flower.
Overview and Introduction to Dianthus
The Dianthus is a wonderful flower that has more than 300 species of flowering plants. Some of the most popular varieties of the flower are Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnations), Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William), and Dianthus chinensis (China Pink). These elegant flowers are known for their vibrant colors, such as pink, red, purple, and white. You will be surprised to know that certain varieties of the flower are even bi-coloured.
Depending on the variety that you are planting, you can get annuals, biennials, or even perennials, which is why you need to decide carefully which kind of Dianthus you are interested in growing.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Dianthus loves the sun. Pick a spot where it gets at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Sure, it’ll survive in a little shade, but don’t expect as many flowers if you hide it away.
Drainage matters a lot. Dianthus likes soil that’s a bit alkaline or neutral and never soggy. If your soil feels heavy or packed with clay, just mix in some compost or sand to loosen things up.
Planting Requirements
You’ve got options for planting: seeds, cuttings, or young plants from the nursery. Starting from seed? If you are using seeds, then you should plant them indoors, around 6-8 weeks before the first snow or frost. Press the seeds lightly into the soil (don’t bury them; they need light to sprout). Keep the soil damp, but not soaked.
When your seedlings are ready to move outside, give them some breathing room; space them out about 6 to 12 inches apart. Good airflow keeps fungus away and helps the plants grow strong.
Watering and Feeding
After planting Dianthus, it is also essential for you to focus on watering the plant, as water will motivate your flower to grow. Since Dianthus does not like too soggy or overly wet soil, you should only water the plant when the top inches of the soil appear dry. During hot weather, you can slightly increase the watering, but ensure that there is no waterlogging.
Additionally, you should only feed the plant a balanced and slow-release fertilizer in the spring. The plant does not require a lot of fertilizing, and overfeeding can result in too much foliage without flowers.
Dianthus is a perfect plant that can enhance the appearance of your garden, whether you plant it near the borders or in containers. The pleasant fragrance of the flower also enhances flower arrangements and decorative settings.
Source: Abodelook