DIANTHUS

Pink. Biennials, hardy and half-hardy



Many varieties of Dianthus claim attention for their elegant forms and

splendour of colouring. They have been so wonderfully improved by

scientific growers that they almost supersede the old garden Pinks, and

have the great advantage of coming true from seed. D. Heddewigii

(Japan Pink) and its varieties, D. chinensis (Indian Pink) and D.

imperialis, make interesting and sumptuous beds, and may all be

flowered the first year from sowings made in heat in January or

February. Immediately the seedlings are through the soil it is important

to shift them to a rather lower temperature than is necessary for

insuring germination, or the plants become soft and worthless. Be very

sparing with water, especially if the soil is at all retentive. When two

leaves are formed, transfer to pans, allowing about an inch between each

plant, and place in a sheltered position. Gradually introduce to cool

treatment, and when ready prick off again, allowing each plant more

space. They will thus have a much better start, when planted out in May,

than if taken from the seed-pans direct. Dianthus make a most attractive

display in pots, and a number of seedlings should be potted on for

flowering in this manner.



Where there are no facilities for raising Dianthus in heat, it is quite

easy to grow plants in an open spot from a sowing in June or July, and

they will flower freely in the following year. Prepare drills about six

inches apart and line them with sifted soil; sow thinly, and carefully

cover the seed with fine soil. Shade must be given during germination,

but it should be gradually withdrawn when the seedlings are up. Transfer

to final positions in August. Should this be impossible, prick the

plants out, and shift them again a little later. It will only do harm to

leave them crowded in the seed-bed, and the second move will better

enable them to withstand winter frosts. The Dianthus thrives in a sandy

or loamy soil, with full exposure to sunshine, and the plants scarcely

need water or any attention the whole season through.