Carnation Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt' (PBR) (p)

Water

Carnations, including Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt', prefer even moisture, but they do not like to sit in wet soil. They should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It's essential to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Typically, watering with about one gallon of water per plant each time should suffice, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth.

Light

Carnations thrive best in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal spot for Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt' would be in a garden bed that has clear, unfiltered access to sunlight throughout the day. While they can tolerate some light shade, too little sunlight may result in weak stems and fewer blooms.

Temperature

Carnations can tolerate a range of temperatures but perform best in cooler conditions between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit but are not frost-hardy. During hot temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it's important to ensure they have enough water and are not exposed to intense afternoon heat to prevent stress.

Pruning

Pruning carnations is essential to promote bushy growth and to prolong the blooming period. For Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt', deadheading, or removing spent flowers, encourages additional blooms. Additionally, trim back the foliage by one-third in late summer to rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is early spring or after the first flush of flowers has faded.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The ideal soil mix for growing Carnation (the common name of Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt') should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of one part garden soil, one part compost or well-rotted manure, and one part sand or perlite is recommended to provide the proper nutrition and drainage.

Repotting

Carnations do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Generally, repot them every 2-3 years or when you notice the soil has degraded or the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Carnation prefers moderate ambient humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. They can tolerate lower humidity environments as long as their soil moisture needs are met without overwatering.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Carnation in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant Carnation in full sun, well-drained soil, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt' typically begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in late spring to early summer, or young plants are established. Germination occurs under warm conditions and is followed by the vegetative growth phase, wherein the plant develops its root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, usually in late spring to summer, producing its characteristic pink to carmine flowers which attract pollinators for reproduction. After pollination, the plant may produce small capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt' is a perennial, so after flowering, it may enter a period of dormancy in the cooler months, conserving energy and resources. With the arrival of favorable conditions in the next season, the plant resumes growth, continuing its cycle for several years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Dianthus 'Carmine Letitia Wyatt', commonly known as Pinks, is generally propagated through softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. To propagate this way, select a healthy, non-flowering stem from the parent plant and cut a piece roughly 4 inches (about 10 centimeters) long. The bottom inch of the cutting should be stripped of leaves, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone for better results. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring the leafless part is buried. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause the cutting to rot. The cutting should be kept in a warm place with indirect light until it has rooted, which usually takes a few weeks. Once the cutting has established a robust root system, it can be transplanted into the garden or a permanent container.