Carnation Dianthus 'Riccardo' (b)

Water

For Carnations, you should maintain consistent moisture but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Water the plants deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, about once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Typically, during the growing season, Carnations may require around 1 gallon of water per week. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to ensure you're not overwatering.

Light

Carnations thrive in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. The best location for these plants is a spot where early morning sunlight is available, which is less intense and helps to dry dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. If you're growing Carnations indoors, place them near a south-facing window where they will get plenty of bright, direct sunlight.

Temperature

Carnations prefer cooler temperatures and will flourish in environments where the temperature ranges from 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down into the 20s, but frost can damage the plants, so protection or bringing them indoors may be necessary. The ideal temperature for promoting vigorous growth for Carnations is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

Pruning

Pruning Carnations is important to promote bushy growth, encourage more blooms, and maintain plant health. Trim off the spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Do a more thorough pruning in early spring to remove any old or dead growth and to shape the plant. The best time for pruning is after the last frost in spring or early when new growth starts to appear.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for Sweet William (Dianthus 'Riccardo') should drain well, yet retain moisture, consisting of a mix of loam, compost, and sharp sand to provide good drainage. The soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5.

Repotting

Sweet William should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth. It’s better to repot in the spring just before the growing season starts.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet William thrives best in moderate humidity conditions. Average room humidity is sufficient, avoiding overly dry or humid atmospheres which are not conducive for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun by a window and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun to partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Dianthus 'Riccardo', commonly known as 'Riccardo Pinks', begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and provided with suitable conditions of light and temperature, will germinate. During the seedling stage, the young plant develops its root system and grows its first set of true leaves, establishing itself in the growing medium. As it enters the vegetative stage, the Dianthus 'Riccardo' continues to grow, producing a lush mound of foliage. The next stage involves flowering where the plant produces the characteristic vibrant pink blooms, often marked by a pleasant fragrance, which can attract pollinators to facilitate cross-pollination. Once pollinated, the flowers develop into seed capsules, containing seeds that complete the reproductive cycle when they mature and are dispersed into the environment. After seed set or in adverse conditions, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in regions with cold winters, though Dianthus 'Riccardo' is a perennial plant and can regrow from the root system the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Dianthus 'Riccardo', commonly known as Carnation, is typically propagated through the method of stem cuttings. This popular method allows gardeners to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. The best time to take stem cuttings for propagation is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Carnations by cuttings, one should select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a piece that is about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 centimeters) just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder for better chances of success. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Carnation plants can be transplanted to their final location.