How to grow Dianthus Seed

Pinks & Carnation seeds are relatively easy to grow and may be sown at various times of the year. Early spring sowing will obtain well established plants in the same season. Seeds sown April-May should flower late summer. Autumn sown seeds will give you a head start for next season, winter protection may be required,

How to grow your seeds: Fill a seed tray or pot with sufficient quantity of a good quality seed compost. Sprinkle the seed evenly over the tray. Cover with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite and lightly water. Place in heat (60-70F) to germinate, a propagator is ideal or somewhere warm. When the seeds have germinated keep in good light, but protect from mid-day sun to avoid the young plants being scorched. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots.

Hardy Garden Pinks & Border Carnations: Follow the above "how to grow" instructions. Before planting outside these should be hardened off, by placing outside during the day and then bring in for the night over a several day period. Plant out from late April onwards.

Perpetual Flowering Carnations: Follow the above "how to grow" instructions. When growing these from see you will need to remove the growing tip, leave about 4 pairs of leaves from soil level, this helps makes the plant bush and produce more flowers. Perpetuals are for the greenhouse / conservatory, though they can be grown outside in pots or containers during the summer months, they must be brought in for the winter (doesn't have to be heated). If you would like to achieve flowers all year round then over winter in a heated greenhouse (minimum temperature 45F). The flower stems will require support.

Tyrolean Trailing Carnations: Follow the above "how to grow" instructions. When big enough to handle they can be mixed in with other hanging basket plants. To over winter keep well drained and ideally in a cod frame / greenhouse, deadhead and trim to maintain a nice plant shape.