How to Grow Dianthus From Seed

Starting Plants

• 1

  Fill individual pots with potting soil to within 1/2 inch to 1/3 inch of the top.

• 2

  Set the pots on a tray and thoroughly moisten the potting soil with water. After a few minutes, discard any water that collects in the tray.

• 3

  Place three or four seeds on top of the soil near the center of each pot.

• 4

  Sprinkle just enough soil over the seeds to cover them. Press down lightly and spray gently with water.

• 5

  Stick clean twigs or craft sticks into the soil at the edge of a few of the pots and place the tray of pots inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag with a twist tie. The twigs keep the plastic from lying flat against the soil.

• 6

  Place the bag of pots in a location out of direct sunlight. The seeds germinate best at temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 7

  Check regularly for germination. Annual types may germinate in as few as five days, and perennials may take up to three weeks.

• 8

  Remove the plastic bag once the seedlings appear, and place the tray of pots in a sunny window. A south-facing window provides the best light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• 9

  When the seedlings have their first true leaves, snip out the weakest plants, leaving only one in each pot.

• 10

  Fertilize after 10 days with a half-strength solution of liquid houseplant fertilizer. Continue fertilizing every two weeks.

Transplanting Outdoors

• 11

  Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil with a garden fork, shovel or rototiller to a depth of about 6 inches.

• 12

  Apply 1 inch of compost or rotted manure if your soil isn't rich in organic matter. Dianthus doesn't thrive in an organically poor soil.

• 13

  Use a trowel to dig a hole as deep as the pot your seedling is growing in.

• 14

  Remove the plant from the pot and place it in the hole. Fill in around the roots with garden soil and press down gently.

• 15

  Water gently and keep the soil moist until the plant are established.