Carnation Dianthus 'Dancing Queen' (PBR) (p)

Water

The Dianthus 'Dancing Queen', commonly known as Pinks, should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This will typically mean watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions and the maturity of the plant. It is important to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease; instead, water at the base of the plant. Young plants will need about one gallon of water per week, while established plants might require slightly more during hot, dry periods. Always ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Pinks thrive best in full sun, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest part of the afternoon, but too much shade can result in sparse blooms and leggy plants. The best spot for Pinks would be in a south-facing garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.

Temperature

Pinks are quite hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 40°F to 85°F. They perform best in cool to moderate temperature conditions, ideally between 60°F and 70°F. They can endure light frost but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing or extremely high heat may damage the plant.

Pruning

Pinks should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and to remove spent blooms, a practice often called deadheading. After the main flush of blooms, lightly trim back the plants by a few inches to stimulate a second bloom period. Regular pruning, especially deadheading, should be done throughout the blooming season. The best time for a more significant prune, to shape the plant or cut back leggy stems, is usually in early spring or after flowering has completed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations require well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. A mixture of one part garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or sand makes an ideal soil mix. Maintaining soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is optimal for carnation health. It’s also beneficial to incorporate a slow-release fertilizer into the soil to support robust growth.

Repotting

Carnations like 'Dancing Queen' should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best done in late winter or early spring, repotting is also an opportunity to divide clumps if the plant has become overcrowded, which helps maintain its vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations, including the 'Dancing Queen' variety, thrive best in moderate humidity conditions. They can tolerate a range from 40% to 60% humidity. They do not require very high humidity but should not be placed in extremely dry environments. Good air circulation is important to prevent any fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a bright spot with some direct light.

• Outdoor

  Full sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dianthus 'Dancing Queen', commonly known as a carnation or pink, begins with seed germination, where the seeds require well-draining soil and usually germinate in light at temperatures around 70°F. Upon sprouting, seedlings grow into juvenile plants with characteristic narrow, green leaves, entering a vegetative stage during which they develop their foliage and root systems. As the plants mature, they enter the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, during which vibrant double flowers bloom, offering shades of pink with unique, fringed petal edges. After pollination, which can be assisted by insects, the plant sets seeds which, if allowed to mature, will be dispersed from the capsule-like fruit, perpetuating the next generation. Throughout the growing season, Dianthus 'Dancing Queen' benefits from deadheading, which encourages further blooming and extends the flowering period. As a perennial, the plant may die back at the end of the growing season, especially in colder climates, but with proper care, it should re-emerge from its root system the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Dianthus 'Dancing Queen', commonly known as the Pink 'Dancing Queen', is typically propagated through cuttings, as this method is popular for maintaining the characteristics of the parent plant. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, choose healthy and non-flowering stems, cutting a length of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem cutting should then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one node is below the soil surface. The environment should be kept humid by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator, and kept at a constant temperature of about 70°F (21°C). Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Pink 'Dancing Queen' plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before transplanting.