Growing Dianthus Flowers: Info and Care
Dianthus flowers are some of the easiest to grow and most rewarding perennials you can add to your summer garden. Packed with sweet fragrances and bold colors, they are perfect for borders, beds, or containers.
They have a long blooming season which brings color to your garden throughout the year. You can also use them as a cut flower or even steep their aromatic blooms in vinegar. Learn how to grow dianthus flowers in your garden with this article, including tips on planting and care!
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Caring For your Dianthus Plant
Dianthus plants can be annuals or perennials depending on where you live. They are great to plant around your garden because they attract butterflies and other insects to your garden area.
A common question people have is how to grow dianthus flowers and care for the plants so that they thrive in your landscape. To help you out, we have compiled some information on how to grow dianthus flowers in your garden and care for them. let’s get started with our guide.
Lighting
Dianthus doesn’t require much light. You can grow them in partial to full shade. However, the more sun they get, the brighter their flowers will be.
Soil
Dianthus like rich, well-draining soil. If you have sandy soil, you can amend it with some compost or peat moss.
Watering and Temperature
Dianthus likes water, but you should avoid letting your plant get soggy or dry out completely. Water them about once a week and keep the soil moist. You also want to try to keep them in cooler temps.
Dianthus can handle mild frosts and even a few light snowfalls, but if you want to protect them, you can cover them with blankets.
- Blooms in about 140 days
- Seeds are Non-GMO, easy to grow and hand packed by David's Garden Seeds in the United States
- Chabaud is an old-fashioned type dating back to as early as 1904
- Edible flowers good or garnish with a spicy flavor and scent
- Germination rate about 70% or better
Pruning and Propagating if Needed
Dianthus can grow quite large, so you might need to prune them to keep them under control. You can also propagate dianthus by taking cuttings from the plant or by planting seeds.
Prepare Dianthus For Winter
If you live in a cold climate, you can cover your dianthus plants with blankets or a hoop house to protect them from winter.
Common pests and Diseases
Aphids, spider mites, and slugs can be a problem for dianthus. If you see any of these pests, you can spray your plant with insecticidal soap or apply some diatomaceous earth to help deter them. You can also keep your plants healthy by spraying them with a foliar spray.
Dianthus Growing Tips
1: Choose the Right Site – Choose a site that is protected from wind, but not too shady. This will keep the flowers from getting too hot and will also keep your plants from getting sunburned.
2: Plant the Right Size – Because dianthuses are relatively small plants, you can easily grow them in small pots or containers. The small plants are quicker to reach the blooming stage and will last just as long as the larger versions.
3: Select the Right Variety – Try to choose a variety that is well suited to your growing conditions. For instance, if you live in a cooler climate, choose dianthus that is hardy for your zone.
Final Thought
If you are looking for some new plants for your garden, you should definitely try growing dianthus. They are a low-maintenance plant that can bloom all summer long. You can use them to attract butterflies and other insects to your garden, and they are also beautiful in the landscape.
We hope this guide helped you learn how to grow dianthus flowers and how to care for them.
Life is Better When You Garden™
