Sweet William Dianthus 'Kathleen Hitchcock' (b)

Water

Sweet William should be watered deeply to thoroughly moisten the soil, and then allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. This typically translates to watering once a week with approximately one to one and a half gallons of water, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, whereas in cooler, cloudy weather, less frequent watering may be required. Overhead watering should be avoided to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day. Adjust watering frequency based on rainfall and check the soil moisture by feeling it a couple of inches below the surface.

Light

Sweet William thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While partial shade is acceptable, especially in hotter climates, too much shade can lead to poor blooming and leggy growth. Therefore, a sunny spot in the garden is the best choice for vibrant growth and flowering.

Temperature

Sweet William prefers temperate conditions and performs best when nighttime temperatures are between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures range from 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure outside this range can be detrimental. For optimal growth and flowering, it is important to maintain the ideal temperature conditions as much as possible.

Pruning

Sweet William should be pruned to remove spent flowers, which encourages further blooming and prevents the plant from spending energy on seed production. Deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season as necessary. Additionally, cutting back the foliage after flowering can also promote denser growth and may lead to a second flush of blooms. Prune in late fall or early spring to maintain a compact, healthy shape and improve air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Dianthus, commonly known as "Pinks," prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soil with a pH range of slightly alkaline to neutral, about 7.0 to 8.0. A good soil mix for pinks would be equal parts of garden soil, sand or perlite, and compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients.

Repotting

Carnations or Pinks should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish the soil and provide room for root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring or early fall to minimize stress on the plant.

Humidity & Misting

Pinks require relatively low humidity conditions and are suited to the typical humidity found in temperate climates. High humidity can promote fungal diseases, so adequate air circulation is important.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, well-draining soil, cool temps.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-draining soil, space 12 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Dianthus 'Kathleen Hitchcock', commonly known as Border Pink, begins with the germination of seeds planted in well-draining soil and under the right temperature conditions. Upon germination, the seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants, developing a rosette of blue-green foliage. As the plants mature, they enter the flowering stage, producing vibrant pink flowers with frilled edges and a sweet fragrance, typically in late spring to early summer. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seed capsules containing seeds that can be dispersed by wind or other means. Post-flowering, if not deadheaded, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in hotter climates, before resuming growth in the next favorable season. The Border Pink may also be propagated through cuttings or division, which allows gardeners to bypass seed germination, leading to quicker establishment of mature plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dianthus 'Kathleen Hitchcock', commonly known as Pink, is typically propagated by cuttings. The most popular method involves taking non-flowering shoots from the plant during the active growing season in late spring or early summer. You should select healthy and vigorous stems about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, keeping it moist and in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight until roots have developed and new growth is visible, which usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks.