Learning how to grow carnation flowers this way is easy and will promote flowering in the first year so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor by taking care of carnations. Gently lay 3-5 seeds on the top of the dirt and lightly press them into the dirt. Either way, to start them from seed, you need light. Most dianthus plants grow in USDA zones 3 to 9 with little trouble. Keep the ground moist until the dianthus plants have sprouted and started growing. There are more than 300 varieties of this plant, and they can grow to be various sizes that range from 6 inches tall to up to 30 inches in height. You can start Dianthus seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost is expected for spring planting and blooms during the first year. Typically, the petals are two-toned with a frill along the outside edge. In these conditions the vast majority of pinks are herbaceous perennials. Dianthus plants may be found as a hardy annual, biennial or perennial and most often used in borders or potted displays. are also called “pinks.”They belong to a family of plants which includes carnations and are characterized by the spicy fragrance the blooms emit. If you prefer, you can sow the seeds directly into a sunny location in the garden in the spring or early in the summer. Plant your seeds 1/8" deep in light, well-drained soil. Dianthus plants produce long-lasting pink flowers and are generally easy to care for. You can use the fresh seed gathered from the plant or the seeds you get from a local nursery store to grow Dianthus from seeds. Dianthus Hybrids Germination Information Dianthus is the botanical name for China Pink and Sweet William How to Sow Dianthus Hybrids: Sow outdoors in spring, 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors; Cover the seeds with four times their thickness in soil; Germinates in 5 … by Julie Christensen. Read more about their varieties, and how to grow for it here. Planting Carnation Seeds Indoors. They do best, however, in moderate climates, as too much cold will kill them, while too much heat will cause them to go dormant. They require good quality sunlight {or a grow light} to germinate. Dianthus plants propagated in this manner may not flower until the next season. Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions. Using your hand, firm the soil over the seed. Dianthus Quick Overview As the seeds are very thin and light around the edges, they need to be handled very carefully during sowing. In spring or early summer, sow the seeds directly into the prepared garden at 1/8th of an inch depth. Dianthus seeds for annual varieties can also be started directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed after danger of frost has passed. Rose De Mai is a particularly fragrant heirloom variety that produces attractive lilac colored flowers. Dianthus is a plant that produces lovely pink flowers that vary in shade. Dianthus flowers (Dianthus spp.) Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Here are a few tips for growing Dianthus: Dianthus plants are sun lovers and need at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. You need light, well-drained soil. Growing Dianthus from Seeds. The Sweet William flower (Dianthus barbatus), hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, is charming tucked in containers, mixed with other perennials, or as a border in any flower bed.But, before you buy flats of expensive nursery plants, consider growing Sweet William from seed. Six to eight weeks before your area will be frost-free, you can start your carnation seeds indoors. 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