You can choose the best time to plant the vegetables, herbs, and flowers you want to grow by knowing your climate zone. You can also choose varieties that will do well in your garden. Most of the time, the best garden results come from planting plants that do well in your climate zone.
Grow Guide #2264 Family: Caryophyllaceae Binomial name: Dianthus sp. Life Cycle: Perennial, sometimes grown as an annual
If you want to plant, grow, and take care of Dianthus (Dianthus sp.), this How to Grow guide has all the information you need. ).
(Dianthus, carnation, Sweet William, and other species like them are all in the same plant family, which is called the Caryophyllaceae or pinks family. This guide is relevant as these plants are all grown in the same way as dianthus. ).
Dianthus is a genus of popular flowering plants that includes carnations, sweet william, and pinks These easy-to-grow flowers come in a wide range of colors and bloom profusely from spring to fall Dianthus plants make excellent cut flowers and showy additions to flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
Growing dianthus from seeds is simple and rewarding. With proper planting and care, you can have stunning flowers the first year. Here is a complete guide on how to plant dianthus seeds both indoors and outdoors.
When to Plant Dianthus Seeds
You can start dianthus seeds indoors or sow them directly in the garden.
Indoor Seed Starting
Start your seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, Dianthus germinates best at temperatures between 60-70°F
Fill seed starting trays with a lightweight seed starting mix. Moisten the soil before planting.
Sow seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover with 1⁄4 inch of soil or vermiculite, Gently water to settle the seeds into the soil
Place the trays in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
Outdoor Direct Sowing
You can sow dianthus seeds directly in the garden in early spring once the soil has thawed and drained. Dianthus actually benefits from a period of cold, moist conditions which helps trigger germination.
For summer flowers, sow seeds 8-10 weeks before your last spring frost date. For fall flowers, sow seeds in late summer, approximately 12 weeks before the first fall frost.
How to Plant Dianthus Seeds Outdoors
When planting dianthus seeds directly in the garden, choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. Work the soil to loosen it. Rake the area smooth and remove any rocks or debris.
Sprinkle the tiny seeds evenly over the soil. Most varieties only need to be covered lightly with a thin layer of soil. Press gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Water gently with a fine mist to avoid washing away the seeds. Keep the soil moist until germination.
Thinning Dianthus Seedlings
Once the seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, thin them to allow proper airflow and reduce overcrowding. The spacing depends on the variety.
- Smaller varieties like China Pinks: 6 inches apart
- Medium varieties like Cottage Pinks: 9 inches apart
- Larger Carnations: 12 inches apart
How to Transplant Dianthus Plants
If you started your dianthus indoors, you can transplant them into the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
First, harden off the seedlings by placing them outdoors in partial shade for a few hours each day. Gradually increase their exposure over 7-10 days.
Dig holes in your flower bed slightly larger than each root ball. Gently remove the seedling from its container and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with native soil, pressing gently around the plant to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly after transplanting and provide shade for a few days until the roots establish.
Caring for Dianthus Plants
Dianthus thrive in well-drained loamy soil and full sun. Amend the planting area with compost or organic matter if needed to improve drainage.
Water dianthus plants often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and control weeds. Organic mulches like shredded bark or leaves work well.
Deadhead spent dianthus flowers by pinching or cutting them off to encourage more blooms. Clip off any faded or damaged foliage as needed to keep plants looking tidy.
How to Harvest Dianthus Seeds
If you wish to collect dianthus seeds for future planting, allow a few flowers to remain on the plants after blooming ends. The petals will fall off, leaving behind a seed pod.
When the seed pods turn brown, clip them off the plant and place them in a paper bag. Store in a dry location for 2-3 weeks until the pods split open.
Gently crush the pods to separate the small black dianthus seeds. Discard the debris and spread seeds on a paper towel to dry thoroughly before storing in an airtight container.
Tips for Growing Dianthus
- Plant in fall for spring blooms or spring for summer blooms
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Avoid wet, poorly drained sites which can cause root rot
- Mulch for weed control and moisture retention
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years to stimulate growth
- Grow different dianthus varieties for a longer blooming season
With proper planting and care, dianthus seeds will flourish and add long-lasting color to your garden or flower arrangements. Their diverse size, form, and colors make them extremely versatile. Be sure to plant some of these easy, rewarding flowers this season!
How to Sow Dianthus Seeds
Dianthus seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.
Dianthus seeds do best when they are grown in trays or other containers and then moved to the garden once they are fully grown.
- You can use soil starter pellets or a good seed-raising mix to fill trays, punnets, or jiffy pots.
- Sow seeds 3mm deep.
- Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
- At a soil temperature of 18 to 22°C, seeds should sprout in 7 to 14 days.
- Once seedlings have their first true leaves and are big enough to handle (about 5 to 10 cm tall), you can move them to the garden.
- Plant out, spacing plants 20-50cm apart.
How to Use Climate Zones
First, find your climate zone using the map or descriptions below. The next step is to look at our sowing chart. It shows when to plant our most popular seeds in each climate zone.
Even though knowing your climate zone can help you plan your garden, there are many other things that could affect how your plants grow, such as weather that isn’t typical for the area, the microclimate of your garden, and how you take care of your plants. You know your garden better than we do, so if you think a different climate zone would work better for it, feel free to use that as a guide.
Our climate zones cover a lot of land in Australia, so gardeners should think about what and when to plant in their own area as well. One example is that gardeners in cool coastal areas have longer growing seasons than gardeners in alpine areas, even though both are in our “Cool Temperate” climate zone. People who live in cool places should look at the “days to maturity” information for each variety and pick ones that will be ready in a short growing season (6–12 weeks).
- Includes: Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Exmouth
- It rains most of the year in the summer, and the winters are dry and warm. Ranges across northern Australia from Exmouth (WA) to south of Townsville (Qld).
- Set as my climate My climate
- Includes: Alice Springs, Mildura, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo
- Summers are hot and dry, and winters can be warm or cool, depending on where you live. From the coast of Western Australia to Charleville (Qld), Tamworth (NSW), and Albury-Wodonga (NSW/Vic), this area is very big.
- Set as my climate My climate
- Brisbane, Bundaberg, Coffs Harbour, Hervey Bay, Mackay, Rockhampton, and the Sunshine Coast are all included.
- Warm humid summers with high summer rainfall and mild winters. Along the coast of Queensland and northern New South Wales, from north of Mackay to just south of Coffs Harbour
- Set as my climate My climate
- It includes Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Wollongong, Bunbury, and the Central Coast of NSW.
- Moderate humidity and reliable rainfall, with four distinct seasons. Covers the coast of NSW from north of Port Macquarie to south of Woollongong, as well as the coast of SA and the southeast coast of WA.
- Set as my climate My climate
- Includes: Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, Launceston, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Mt Gambier
- It’s hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter, and there’s not much humidity. Some regions will experience frosts and snow. Australia’s southeast coast and the mountains in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania are all part of this area.
- Set as my climate My climate
What if I can’t find my climate zone? If you can’t find your zone by looking at the map or the descriptions on this page, think of a place with a climate that is similar to yours and use that place’s zone as a guide.
But what if I live on the edge of two zones? If you live on the edge of two zones, you should read about both of them and choose the one that best describes your climate. If your garden has its own microclimate, you might be able to grow more plants for longer than people in your zone can. Lucky you!.
What is a microclimate? A microclimate is a small area where the weather is different from the rest of the area in terms of temperature or humidity. For instance, if you live in an area where frosts are common but your garden is protected by walls or big trees, it might not freeze. Also, if you live in a warm temperate zone but your garden is high up, your microclimate may be more like that of a cool temperate zone. Use this to help you figure out which zone applies to you.
Can I grow types that aren’t listed for my climate zone? Our climate zones and sowing chart will help you figure out what you can plant in your garden, but they’re just suggestions. We suggest that you begin by planting seeds that are native to your climate zone. After a few successful attempts, you can try varieties that grow in nearby zones and see how they do. After all, gardening is all about trying new things!
Grow Guide #2264 Family: Caryophyllaceae Binomial name: Dianthus sp. Life Cycle: Perennial, sometimes grown as an annual
If you want to plant, grow, and take care of Dianthus (Dianthus sp.), this How to Grow guide has all the information you need. ).
(Dianthus, carnation, Sweet William, and other species like them are all in the same plant family, which is called the Caryophyllaceae or pinks family. This guide is relevant as these plants are all grown in the same way as dianthus. ).
How to Grow Dianthus (Pinks) from Seed
FAQ
Do you need to soak dianthus seeds?
Do dianthus seeds need to be covered?
What month do you plant dianthus?
Can you grow Dianthus from seed?
Dianthus seeds can be sown in spring or summer, whereas dianthus plants are best planted in spring, summer, or early autumn. Sweet williams (Dianthus barbatus) can be grown from seed or bought as plugs or small plants. To grow sweet williams from seed, it’s best to sow the seeds in May-July for flowers the next year.
How do you plant Dianthus seeds?
To plant Dianthus seeds, you will need: 1. Fill the pots or trays with seed starting mix. 2. Press the seeds into the soil about 1/4 inch deep. 3. Mist the seeds with water. 4. Cover the pots or trays with plastic wrap or a clear lid. 5. Place the pots or trays in a warm, sunny location. 6. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. 7.
How do you propagate a Dianthus?
Though annual dianthus varieties are most commonly propagated by seed, perennial types are more commonly produced by cuttings. To take a dianthus cutting, simply remove a small segment of the plant’s soft stem. The lower leaves, or anything that will be below the soil line, should then be removed.
How do you grow Dianthus in a greenhouse?
Dianthus plants prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location in the greenhouse that has plenty of sunlight. 2. Prepare the soil. Dianthus seeds need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Fill the pots with soil that meets these requirements. 3. Sow the seeds.
