Sowing & Growing Guide
When to Sow:
- Indoors: January to March
- Outdoors: April to May
Indoor Sowing:
- Fill seed trays or small pots with fine, peat-free seed compost.
- Sow the seeds thinly on the surface and lightly press them in without covering – they need light to germinate.
- Place the trays in a warm spot, ideally at 15-20°C.
- Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Germination should take 14-21 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots.
Outdoor Sowing:
- Once the soil has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, sow the seeds directly into a prepared bed or container.
- Scatter the seeds thinly and press them into the soil’s surface.
- Keep the area moist until seedlings emerge.
Plant Care:
- Position: Dianthus loves a sunny spot, so plant them where they can bask in full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or grit to improve drainage.
- Watering: Water regularly, but avoid waterlogging, as dianthus dislikes sitting in wet soil.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to keep them blooming beautifully.
- Deadheading: To encourage more flowers, regularly deadhead spent blooms. This will also keep your plants looking tidy.
Flowering:
- Expect blooms from early summer, continuing through autumn if cared for well. Their lovely scent and bold stripes make them a garden favourite.
Tip: Dianthus also makes a wonderful cut flower. Snip a few stems for your home and enjoy their sweet fragrance indoors!
