The Dianthus genus is large and varied and includes evergreen perennials, biennials and annuals. However, the most popular garden type are referred to as ‘garden pinks’. No, it’s not because they’re all pink. It’s because the flowers have a cut edge that looks like it was done with pinking shears.
Garden pinks are a reliable and easy-to-care-for addition to the garden that have been grown for centuries. They are hardy perennials with gray-green leaves that stay green all year or only partially all year. Their flowers are different shades of pink, magenta, salmon pink, and white. They have scented single or double flowers nearly all summer and most repeat flower if deadheaded. Garden pinks look good in cottage gardens and herbaceous borders. They also make good cut flowers, and have a lovely, clove-like scent.
Alpine pinks are great for planting in pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and rockeries because they are small.
Sweet Williams (Dianthus barbatus), grown as biennials for early summer flowers, are also part of the Dianthus family.
Florists like the carnation, which is related to the pink but doesn’t smell like cloves like a pink does.
Pinks, also known as dianthus, are a genus of flowering plants that are beloved for their sweet fragrance and colorful blooms One particularly stunning variety is the Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors As the name suggests, this type of dianthus produces full, double flowers in a vibrant range of pink, red, rose, salmon, white and bicolored shades.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully growing Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors in your own garden.
An Overview of Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors, sometimes referred to as just Double Imperial Mix, belong to the Dianthus caryophyllus species of dianthus. This compact variety forms a lush mound of slender, blue-green grass-like leaves. Rising above the foliage are loads of fragrant, fully double blooms that look like miniature carnations.
Each ruffled flower measures about 1 inch across. They are produced abundantly on short stalks from early summer through fall The Double Imperial Mix contains all the colors found in the dianthus spectrum, resulting in a lively assortment of pink, red, rose, salmon, white and two-toned flowers all blooming simultaneously
In addition to their ornamental appeal, Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors are also magnets for butterflies and bees. Their clove-like scent is noticeable but not overpowering. The flowers make excellent cuts for small bouquets. Many gardeners find the cheerful rainbow colors and long bloom season to be the star attraction of this hardy annual.
Growing Conditions for Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors thrive in the following growing conditions:
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Average, well-draining garden soil
- pH Range: Slightly alkaline, between 6.5-7.5
- Hardiness Zone: Annual; hardy in zones 3-10
- Spacing: Plant 8-10 inches apart
These dianthus plants require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. They tolerate light afternoon shade in hot summer climates but prefer full sun exposure. The soil should drain freely while still retaining some moisture. Adding compost or other organic matter to clay soils improves drainage.
Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors grow well in neutral to slightly alkaline soils with a pH between 6.5-7.5. They struggle in overly acidic soils below a pH of 6.0. Space the plants 8-10 inches apart to allow for good air circulation.
How to Plant Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors can be started indoors or directly sown into the garden. Here are some tips for getting them planted:
Starting Indoors: Begin indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected spring frost. Sow the seeds thinly in containers filled with seed starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly, about 1/4 inch deep. Maintain a soil temperature of 65-70°F. Germination takes 10-15 days.
Once seedlings emerge, move them to a sunny window or under grow lights. Transplant into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Harden off the plants for 7-10 days first.
Direct Sowing: Once the soil has warmed up in spring, you can sow Double Imperial Mix directly into the garden. Prepare a seedbed by loosening the soil and removing any rocks or debris. Scatter the seeds and cover very lightly with 1/4 inch of soil.
Water gently to avoid washing away the seeds. Thin seedlings to 8-10 inches apart once they reach 2 inches tall. Direct sowing can also be done in mid to late summer for a fall bloom.
Care Tips for Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Here are some tips for caring for Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors throughout the growing season:
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Water plants regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overhead watering.
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Apply a balanced flower fertilizer monthly or biweekly in poor soils.
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Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
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Mulch plants in summer to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Stake tall plants if needed to prevent flopping.
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Prune leggy plants halfway in early summer to encourage bushy growth.
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Monitor for common pests like aphids, thrips, leaf miners and spider mites.
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Protect plants from slugs and snails with diatomaceous earth or coffee grounds.
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Deadhead plants regularly to extend the flowering period into fall.
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Grow in containers or use as a short edging border in flower beds.
With proper care, Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors will bloom spring until frost, bringing months of color and fragrance to your garden.
How to Harvest Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
One of the best parts of growing your own Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors is being able to harvest the flowers for arrangements. Here are some tips:
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Harvest flowers in the morning when the blooms are most fragrant.
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Use sharp floral shears or garden scissors for clean cuts.
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Cut stems just above a set of leaves to avoid bare stem spots.
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For bouquets, strip off the bottom leaves and recut the stems.
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Place freshly cut stems immediately in water.
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Remove any flowers that begin to wilt to prolong vase life.
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Floating blooms in a bowl of water also makes a quick arrangement.
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Dried flowers can be hung upside down or laid flat between layers of paper towels to press.
Follow these steps for gathering gorgeous Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors blooms to display indoors. Change the water every 2-3 days and the flowers will last up to two weeks in the vase.
Uses for Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Here are some of the many ways to use Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors in gardens and flower arrangements:
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Mass in flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and containers
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Edge walkways, patios, and garden paths
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Fill gaps in perennial beds and flower gardens
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Plant in cottage gardens, cutting gardens or meadow gardens
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Attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators
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Cut for summer bouquets, especially mixed flower arrangements
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Float blooms in glass bowls
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Craft pressed flower art, wreaths, potpourri
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Add fragrance to oil by steeping flowers in carrier oils
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Garnish desserts, salads, drinks and more
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Give as hostess or birthday gifts with blooms in bud vases
With their long bloom period, delightful fragrance and rainbow of colors, Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors lend themselves to all sorts of decorative uses in and around your home.
Common Problems With Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors are relatively hardy annuals when provided with their preferred growing conditions. However, they can encounter a few problems:
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Poor flowering: Insufficient sunlight, overcrowding, overwatering, excessive nitrogen fertilizer or pruning at the wrong time can all inhibit flowering.
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Wilting: Plants wilt if the soil dries out completely between waterings. Blossom drop, fungal disease and root rot can also cause wilting.
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Leaf spot diseases: Foliar diseases like botrytis, leaf spot and powdery mildew can attack. Avoid wetting foliage and provide good airflow.
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Pest infestations: Aphids, spider mites, thrips, slugs and snails may appear. Control with organic sprays or physical removal.
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Leggy growth: Plants become stretched out and weak with inadequate sunlight or excessive nitrogen fertilization.
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Flopping: Tall plants that don’t get staked will flop over under the weight of heavy blooms.
Correct growing conditions, prompt disease treatment and pest control will keep your Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors thriving in the garden.
FAQs About Growing Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
If you’re new to growing Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Q: Are Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors perennials or annuals?
A: They are hardy annuals in most regions. Plants will complete their life cycle within one season. New plants must be grown each year.
Q: How tall do Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors grow?
A: About 8-12 inches tall and wide. Compact habit makes them great for containers.
Q: How much sun do they need?
A: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates.
Q: What’s the best way to start them from seed?
A: Start indoors at 65-70°F about 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost. Or direct sow in prepared soil after danger of frost.
Q: How often do you need to water them?
A: Water thoroughly only when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Avoid overhead watering.
Q: Should you deadhead spent blooms?
A: Yes, clip off old flowers to encourage more bloom production through fall.
Q: Are Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors deer resistant?
A: They have good deer resistance compared to other flowers. But hungry deer may still nibble.
Q: How late in the season will they bloom?
A: Bloom time is early summer to fall. Light frosts won’t bother them.
The Cheerful Charm of Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors
With their grassy leaves, fabulous fragrance and fluffy double blooms in a rainbow of hues, it’s easy to see why Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors have remained a gardening favorite for centuries. These hardy annuals are ideal for beginning and expert gardeners alike, providing vivid, carefree color from early summer into fall.
Give them a spot in full sun, keep them watered during dry periods and enjoy their outstanding ornamental appeal in beds, borders, containers and bouquets. With proper care, Pinks Double Imperial Mixed Colors will reward you with lasting beauty and joy when added to your garden.
How to propagate pinks
Dianthus are shortlived plants, so cuttings are a good way of keeping your plants going. Cuttings (known as pipings) can be taken any time from June to September. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
Step 1Choose some non-flowering shoots and cut them off just above a node. Aim for a cutting that’s about 6cm long.
Step 2Remove the lower leaves, then push the cuttings into a pot of pre-watered cutting compost.
Step 3Cover with a plastic bag and leave the cuttings on a sunny windowsill.
Step 4It can take between four and six weeks for cuttings to root. If you gently pull on a rooted cutting, it will stay firm in the compost. Then, plant each cutting in its own small pot of multipurpose compost and water it.
Step 5: Grow plants in a cool greenhouse or cold frame through the fall and winter. In the spring, plant them outside in the garden.
How to grow pinks
Grow pinks in well-drained compost in full sun. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms, and feed with a liquid tomato feed. Cut back again in autumn.
Dianthus plants don’t last very long. After a few years, the base of them turns woody and the plants look rather clumpy. They are easily propagated by cuttings, however, so you can create fresh plants each year.
Pick pink flowers for cutting when the buds are just barely open; if you pick them when the buds are still closed, the scent won’t be as strong. They can last for a couple of weeks in a cool room.
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