Pink Dianthus 'Louise's Choice' (p)

Water

For the Sweet William, ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged by watering the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once or twice a week; however, this can vary depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. When you do water, aim to provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches without flooding the plant. This might amount to around 1 gallon of water for mature plants during each watering session. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to have well-draining soil and adjust the frequency to your plant's needs, especially during rainy periods or drought.

Light

Sweet William thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot in your garden that gets ample sunshine throughout the day, but be mindful that in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help to protect the plant from intense heat. Avoid deep shade areas as this will inhibit flowering and can lead to poor plant health.

Temperature

Sweet William prefers temperate climates and does best in temperatures that range from 40°F to 70°F. Although the plant can withstand light frosts and temperatures down to about 20°F, prolonged exposure to cold below this can be detrimental. On the higher end, temperatures above 85°F may stress the plant, so consider providing shade during the hottest part of the day in very warm climates.

Pruning

Sweet William benefits from regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooming and to maintain a tidy appearance. Prune back spent flowers and any dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth. The best time to prune is right after a flush of blooms fades. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the blooming season to keep the plant vigorous and to extend the flowering period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good mix would be one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand for drainage. Regularly check soil pH and amend with lime or sulfur as necessary.

Repotting

Carnations, like 'Louise's Choice', don't need frequent repotting and can often be left for two or more years. They should only be repotted if they outgrow their current container or if the soil has broken down and needs refreshing.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations prefer moderate humidity levels. They do well in the average humidity found in most homes and gardens. High humidity can encourage fungal diseases, so ensure good air circulation around the plants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place carnations in bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space them properly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Louise's Choice', commonly known as Pink, starts its life cycle as a seed, which, once sown, germinates in warm, well-drained soil typically during the spring months. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with its initial set of true leaves, beginning its vegetative growth stage where it develops its root system and foliage. Throughout the growing season, the plant continues to mature, entering a period of rapid growth marked by the development of a sturdy stem and a fuller set of lance-shaped leaves. Once the plant reaches maturity, it enters the flowering stage in late spring to early summer, producing clusters of fragrant, fringed flowers that are often bicolor, with a range of pinks, reds, and whites. After pollination, which can be aided by insects such as bees and butterflies, the plant produces seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds, which complete the reproductive stage. At the end of the growing season, the plant may either die back (if it is treated as an annual) or become dormant during the winter, ready to regrow from its base again (if it is a perennial) the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for Dianthus 'Louise's Choice' is by cuttings. This method typically takes place during the late spring or early summer months, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate via cuttings, one would take a healthy stem from the mother plant, ideally measuring about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, and cut just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The stem cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened, well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight, and maintained with consistent moisture until roots have developed and it can be transplanted.