Dianthus
Seed Raised Annual Dianthus
Plant type:
AnnualUses:
Outdoor containers, garden and patio pot plantPlant Height:
15 – 30 cmSowing:
January - FebruaryReady for green spring pack or pot sales in April or in colour in May. March
sowings for summer and early autumn pot sales.
18 – 25
0C.Cover with an average layer of medium Vermiculite. Germination in 1 - 2 weeks.
A pre sowing fungicide drench would be recommended
Sowing to transplanting 3-4 weeks
Growing on:
Temperature Grow under cool conditions with a maximum temperature of
15 0C. Optimum temperature 12 - 15 0C
pH 5.5 - 6.0
Feeding The use of a slow release fertiliser in the compost is popular for Dianthus.
Alternatively a balanced 1:1:1 NPK liquid feeding will be needed from an early stage, changing to a 1:1:2 about 8 weeks after sowing.
Pack/Pot size Pack 18, double 6, or 9 –10 cm pot
Planting out spacing 20 cm
Advice Ensure best light conditions especially early season and grow dry to restrict and harden growth. Transplant on time.
Common diseases Alternaria - leaf spot can occur on maturing plants. Dianthus should not be planted in the same area the following year after a problem.
Fusarium Wilt - yellowing of lower leaves befor wilting, soil borne.
Common pests Red Spider Mite, Aphids, Thrips.
Any chemicals referred to should be used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Technical and cultural details are written for gardeners and growers, they are not cut and dried and are for information purposes only. It is not intended as a blue print for growing. A guide for you to use and adjust the data to suit your growing conditions. All information is based on UK conditions and should be used for guidance only. No guarantee is given for the resultant crop, or liability accepted for using the information used on this website in any article web page or cd rom.