Carnation Dianthus 'Spinfield Wizard' (b)

Water

Carnations, including the Dianthus 'Spinfield Wizard', should be watered thoroughly to moisten the entire root zone whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. On average, this might mean watering with about 1 gallon per square yard every week during active growth in the spring and summer, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperatures. In hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. Over the winter, reduce watering significantly, but do not let the plants dry out completely. Ensure good drainage as carnations do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.

Light

Carnations prefer full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The Dianthus 'Spinfield Wizard' will perform best when placed in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.

Temperature

Carnations fare well in a range of temperatures but prefer cooler conditions, with ideal temperatures for the Dianthus 'Spinfield Wizard' falling between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be slow below this threshold. They can tolerate highs up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's essential to avoid excessive heat to prevent stress on the plant.

Pruning

Pruning carnations, such as the Dianthus 'Spinfield Wizard', is important for maintaining plant health and encouraging bushy growth. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooming. After the first flush of flowers, cut back the stems to 1-2 inches above the ground to encourage a second bloom in the same season. The best time to prune for shaping is early spring, just before new growth starts.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. For optimal growth, the best soil mix can be prepared by blending equal parts of garden soil, sand, and organic compost or peat moss to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Carnations should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and prevent them from becoming root-bound. This timing can be adjusted based on the plant's growth rate and the condition of the soil.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations thrive in moderate humidity levels but are adaptable and can tolerate drier air. For best results, aim for a humidity level of 40-60%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place carnations near bright windows and ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure good soil drainage, protect from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Dianthus 'Spinfield Wizard', commonly known as 'Carnation' or 'Pinks', begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring or early summer under proper temperature and moisture conditions. Once germinated, the seedling stage follows, where the plant develops its first true leaves and roots. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage where it produces more leaves and stems, becoming bushier. During the flowering stage, which can occur in the first growing season or the one after, depending on when it was sowed, it develops its characteristic colorful and fragrant flowers, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the carnation produces seeds within its flower head, and once the seeds mature, the plant enters the senescence phase where it will eventually die back, especially if it's an annual or biennial variety. However, many cultivars of Dianthus are perennial and will go dormant for the winter, only to regrow from the root system the following spring, repeating the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Dianthus 'Pink Kisses', a popular garden perennial, is commonly propagated using stem cuttings. The best time to take stem cuttings is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing but not in full bloom. To propagate, select a healthy non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 4 inch (about 7 to 10 cm) piece just below a node, where a leaf joins the stem. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to enhance the chances of successful root development. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the node where the leaves were removed is below the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a warm, indirectly lit area. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.