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 need light, well-drained soil. 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. Dianthus chinensis or Chinese pink is one of the most common annual varieties. Dianthus Flowers – How to Grow and Care Dianthus Plants The dianthus, carnation radiates a sweet and exotic odour, which provides gardens and balconies with unique flair. 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 … 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. Growing Dianthus Plants from Seed. 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. Most dianthus plants grow in USDA zones 3 to 9 with little trouble. 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. If you prefer, you can sow the seeds directly into a sunny location in the garden in the spring or early in the summer. In spring or early summer, sow the seeds directly into the prepared garden at 1/8th of an inch depth. Keep the ground moist until the dianthus plants have sprouted and started growing. Dianthus plants may be found as a hardy annual, biennial or perennial and most often used in borders or potted displays. Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours. Here are a few tips for growing Dianthus: Dianthus plants are sun lovers and need at least 6 hours of direct sun each day. by Julie Christensen. This plant is more commonly known as a carnation, and it’s very simple to care for. Dianthus plants produce long-lasting pink flowers and are generally easy to care for. In these conditions the vast majority of pinks are herbaceous perennials. Dianthus Quick Overview Either way, to start them from seed, you need light. Resist the urge to cover them with soil, they do not need dirt over the top of them. Six to eight weeks before your area will be frost-free, you can start your carnation seeds indoors. Dianthus flowers (Dianthus spp.) They require good quality sunlight {or a grow light} to germinate. Rose De Mai is a particularly fragrant heirloom variety that produces attractive lilac colored flowers. Dianthus plants propagated in this manner may not flower until the next season. Read more about their varieties, and how to grow for it here. Typically, the petals are two-toned with a frill along the outside edge. Using your hand, firm the soil over the seed. 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. Plant your seeds 1/8" deep in light, well-drained soil. 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