Carnation Dianthus 'Devon Glow' (p)

Water

When watering your Dianthus 'Devon Glow', also known as Pinks, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide deep waterings to encourage strong root development. Aim for about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or manual watering. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water twice a week, while in cooler, wetter conditions, watering once every ten days might suffice. Use enough water to wet the soil to the depth of the roots; for potted plants, this typically means until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the container.

Light

Pinks thrive in full sun conditions, which means they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for Dianthus 'Devon Glow' would be an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. However, in very hot climates, these plants appreciate some light afternoon shade to prevent scorching.

Temperature

Pinks are fairly adaptable to temperature variations but prefer cooler conditions. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit but are happiest in a range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but consistently higher temperatures, especially at night, may lead to poor performance.

Pruning

Pruning Pinks should be done to promote bushier growth, remove dead or spent flowers, and maintain a neat appearance. Deadheading or removing old blooms will encourage more blooms. It's best to prune these plants in late spring after the first flush of flowering has completed. Annual light pruning is often enough to keep the plants in good shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations like well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.7 to 7.5. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost provides an ideal growing medium for healthy growth.

Repotting

Carnations should typically be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, ensuring they are not becoming root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations prefer moderate to low humidity levels as they are susceptible to fungal diseases when conditions are too moist.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light with good airflow for healthy growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and space for air circulation.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Devon Glow', also commonly known as Cheddar Pinks, begins its life cycle as a seed, which under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows into a young plant, developing a rosette of narrow, green leaves and a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage and forms buds that will turn into the characteristic bright pink, fragrant flowers which are often used in ornamental gardening. After pollination, often by insects attracted by the flowers’ scent and color, these flowers produce seeds, enabling the cycle to repeat when these seeds fall to the ground and find suitable conditions for growth. In colder climates, Cheddar Pinks can enter a period of dormancy over winter, conserving energy until warmer temperatures return. Under optimal conditions, Dianthus 'Devon Glow' may also spread through rhizomes or by cuttings taken from the main plant, thereby expanding its growth beyond seed propagation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Dianthus 'Devon Glow', commonly known as pinks, can be propagated through stem cuttings, which is the most popular method. Typically, the best time to take stem cuttings is in late spring to early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4-inch length (7.5 to 10 cm), just below a leaf node. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone for better root development. The cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, watered gently, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or directly into the garden.