Garden Pink Dianthus 'Chesswood Margaret Alison' (b)

Water

The common name for Dianthus 'Chesswood Margaret Alison' is 'Carnation'. Carnations require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water them thoroughly once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the roots. During hot or dry weather, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure proper drainage as carnations do not like to sit in waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Carnations prefer full sun conditions, which means they thrive best when receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Plant your carnations in a spot where they can benefit from plenty of light throughout the day without being shaded by larger plants or structures. Proper sunlight is essential for them to develop their full color and for optimal blooming.

Temperature

Carnations can endure a wide range of temperatures but prefer cooler conditions and do best between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for many climates. However, during extreme heat, carnations require protection or additional water to keep the soil cool and moist.

Pruning

Pruning carnations is necessary to promote bushy growth, encourage more blooms, and maintain a tidy appearance. Prune them in early spring by removing dead or weak stems and cutting back about one-third of the plant's height. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming period to encourage continuous flowering. The best time for major pruning is after the main flowering flush has subsided.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations, like Dianthus 'Chesswood Margaret Alison', thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a slight preference for alkalinity, thus a pH of 6.75 to 8.5 is ideal. A mix of two-thirds garden soil with one-third compost or well-rotted manure can enhance nutrient content and drainage capabilities.

Repotting

Carnations do not need to be repotted frequently; repotting every 2-3 years is sufficient. Ensure that the soil is refreshed with nutrients and that there is adequate room for root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations require moderate humidity levels. They thrive in environments with humidity levels of around 40-60%, which align well with average household humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, good airflow, and avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from severe frost.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Dianthus 'Chesswood Margaret Alison,' commonly known as "Pink," begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-drained soil and germinate, typically within two to three weeks in optimal conditions. Following germination, seedlings emerge and proceed to the vegetative growth phase, where the plant develops a rosette of leaves and a strong root system to support future blooms. Once the Pink is mature enough, which could take up to a few months, it enters the flowering stage; this period is marked by the blossoming of colorful, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators and can last several weeks to months depending on environmental factors. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing the reproductive phase. As a perennial, the Pink then enters a period of dormancy during colder months, reducing its above-ground presence while the roots remain alive underground. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the plant rejuvenates from the rootstock, beginning a new cycle of growth and blooming.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Dianthus 'Chesswood Margaret Alison', commonly known as pinks, is predominantly propagated through cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings for propagation is late spring through early summer. To propagate pinks from cuttings, one would select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a section about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm) long. The lower leaves of this cutting should be removed and the cut end dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new plant can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden to grow on.