Grass rose pink Dianthus pavonius

Water

Peacock Pinks should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically about once a week. You should provide enough water to moisten the soil all the way to the roots, but be careful not to overwater. In terms of quantity, watering with approximately half a gallon per plant every 7-10 days during the growing season is a good rule of thumb. During the cooler months, reduce the frequency as the plant requires less moisture. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

Peacock Pinks thrive best in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these flowers would be a south-facing garden that gets plenty of light throughout the day. Nevertheless, in extremely hot climates, offering some afternoon shade can help protect the plants from intense heat.

Temperature

Peacock Pinks are best suited to temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand a minimum temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Steady temperatures within this range are optimal for healthy growth.

Pruning

Pruning Peacock Pinks is important to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. The best time to prune is after the blooming has finished, usually in late summer or early fall. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain plant vigor and appearance. You can also trim back the foliage to shape the plant if needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Peacock Dianthus thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.5. A combination of loam, sand, and compost will create an ideal environment for healthy growth. Ensure the soil mix is porous to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot.

Repotting

Peacock Dianthus should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Early spring is the best time to repot this perennial to encourage robust growth throughout the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Peacock Dianthus prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to drier air. It is important to avoid excessively high humidity, as this can foster fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Peacock Dianthus in a sunny spot, in well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Peacock Dianthus in full sun, ensuring soil is well-drained.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Dianthus pavonius, commonly known as the Peacock Pink, begins its life cycle as a seed which can be sown in late winter to early spring slightly covered with soil and kept moist. Germination occurs over several weeks as the seedlings develop true leaves and a strong root system. Once the seedlings are large enough and the last frost has passed, they are transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with well-drained soil. The Peacock Pink enters a vegetative stage where it grows and matures, forming a mound of slender leaves and stems, until the flowering period in late spring to early summer. The characteristic purple-pink, fragrant flowers bloom, attracting pollinators for seed production. After flowering, as the growing season ends, the plant may either die back if it is an annual variety or become dormant over winter, with the perennial varieties returning the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Dianthus pavonius, also known as Peacock Pink, is by seed. For successful growth, seeds should ideally be sown in late winter to early spring under cover to protect them from extreme conditions. A light soil mix or seed starting formula is generally recommended to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Seeds should be scattered lightly on the surface of the moist soil and not covered, as they require light for germination. The environment should be kept at a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Germination typically occurs within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.