Propagating Dianthus
You Can Do It With Ease!



Propagating dianthus, a flowering plant of approximately 300 species, is not difficult. The species can be annual, biennial, or perennial. The dianthus is also easy to grow. Irrigate when dry – about once or twice a week, and fertilize once monthly. Cut the stems down to ground level when the blooms are spent. Pests and diseases are infrequent and may be treated organically


Planting
At about six inches high, the plants are ready for their permanent locations. If you have a mild climate, you can plant in the fall. Otherwise, wait until spring.

Cuttings
  • Take the cuttings from non-flowering shoots of the mother plant. You can either gently pull by hand or slice off with a sharp knife the shoot just below a leaf joint. Remove the lower leaves, but let alone four sets at the top of the cutting. Dip the cutting into some hormone rooting powder which contains fungicide against rotting.
  • Fill a pot with a mixture of one half cuttings compost and one-half horticultural grits. Place several cuttings one and one-half inch apart, around the pot’s edge. Water well. Label each pot if you are planting several varieties. Cover the plants loosely with clear plastic and securely fasten the ends with a plastic band around the pots.
  • The cuttings should germinate in about four weeks. You will find them escaping from the drainage holes of the pots. Carefully separate the cuttings, watching out especially for the roots, and put in individual pots. Place in a sheltered location that is free from frost. Transplant them outdoors in the spring.
Dividing the Clumps
Dividing the dianthus helps revive non-producing clumps. Excavate the whole clump and separate it gently by hand. Plant and irrigate well.

Ground Planting
Cultivate your soil into a consistent crumbly texture. Sow thinly and cover with a light layer of the same soil. Keep moist until you see the sprouts above the ground. Thin when the seeds are grown sufficiently. The plants need air circulation.

Annual, Biennial, or Perennial?
Whatever the classification, the climate where you live is the determining factor. Ask the garden center in your area for advice.

Annual - plants that have a single growing season.

Biennials - plants that have a two-year life cycle.

Perennials - plants that have multiple growing seasons. Some perennials, however, can be treated as annuals and vice versa, depending on the growing conditions. Sweet Williams, for instance, are annuals when grown in cooler climate and as perennials in warmer places. Even as a perennial, however, Sweet Williams tend to have a short life. For prolonged life, divide them every two years. Most perennials have a short blooming period.

When propagating dianthus, remember these plants can be annual, biennials and perennials depending on your climate.



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