How to Care for Dianthus Fusilier

Plant dianthus in fall, in the evening or early morning when the sun is at its weakest. Prepare a bed of soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH in a loccation where it will receive full sun. They will do best in sandy, loamy soil. If the site has poor drainage, mix sand into the soil to improve drainage. Dianthus will not tolerate poor-draining wet soil. Mix the soil well, pat it down and dig a hole deep enough so that the dianthus will be at the same level as it was previously planted. After planting, pat the soil down firmly. Water the surrounding soil until it is thoroughly moist.

Apply a thin layer of manure or compost to the surface of the soil surrounding the alpine carnation. Cover this organic fertilizer with a 2-inch layer of mulch to prevent the growth of weeds around the plant.

Water dianthus once or twice a week in hot, dry weather when rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Water the soil until it is thoroughly moist, but not wet. Never allow dianthus to sit in water, as this can kill the plant.

Trim off the spent flower stalks of dianthus using a pair of scissors once the flowers have finished blooming to encourage dianthus to grow more flowers.

Cut back the stems of dianthus fusilier to within 1 to 2 inches of the soil line after the first killing frost. Remove and discard these dead stems. Do not leave them on the surface of the soil to prevent the spread of fungus or disease.