Remove old flower heads to prolong flowering season. Take cuttings from non flowering side shoots in the summer to make fresh plants as they are past their best in two or three years.
Perennial Dianthus can be rejuvenated by cutting down the stems after the first flush of flowers, this tidies the plant and encourages new growth and a further burst of blooms
Dianthus plants prefer alkaline conditions but can manage more neutral clay as long as the soil is not too wet in winter
May be Winter Sown.
Can be grown from seed but they are easier from cuttings. Choose non flowering side shoots in the summer
Well drained chalky soil in a sunny position is best for dianthus, they dislike wet. Suitable for the front of the border or to edge a path, also great in pots or in a rockery.
Sweet william is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.Long lasting cut flower
These estimates for how long Sweet william takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.
Average 4 days | Min 2 days | Max 66 days (14)
Average 76 days | Min 45 days | Max 94 days (6)
Average 58 days | Min 15 days | Max 362 days (9)
Carnation, Dianthus, Jade, Pink
Dianthus x
Misspellings: dianthas, Dianthus nanus giganteus, Sweet William the Conqueror, William the Conqueror
1 http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/pinks.aspx