How to Garden Dianthus

Harden-off nursery and indoor sown Dianthus for one week prior to transplanting. Set the plants outdoors in a protected area during the day, bringing them in at night. Gradually increase their exposure each day leading up to transplanting.

Plant the Dianthus seedlings in a well-drained garden bed that receives six hours of direct sunlight each day. Choose a well-drained bed that is rich in organic matter, or amend the bed with a 2-inch layer of compost prior to planting.

Set the transplants in the bed at the same depth they were growing at in their pots. Space the plants six inches apart for dwarf varieties, and 12 inches apart for all other Dianthus types.

Water Dianthus once a week, giving the plants about one inch of water at each irrigation. Plants are properly irrigated when the top six inches of soil feels moist.

Fertilize the plants once a month with a soluble balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at the rate recommended for the fertilizer type and garden size.

Pinch off the dead flowers as soon as they begin wilting. Prompt flower removal prevents seeds from forming, which encourages the Dianthus to send out a fresh flush of blooms.