Carnation Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge' (p)

Water

Carnations, like the Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge', prefer soil that is consistently moist but well-drained. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering about once a week, but this can vary depending on temperature and humidity levels. Apply water directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Depending on the size of the plant and weather conditions, you might need about 1-2 gallons of water each time.

Light

Carnations require full sunlight to flourish, so the Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge' should be placed in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. An east or south-facing location is ideal for these plants to ensure they get the ample light needed for vigorous growth and bloom production.

Temperature

Carnations are hardy to various temperatures; the Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge' can tolerate a range from about 40°F to 85°F. However, they thrive best in cooler conditions, between 60°F and 70°F, during the daytime. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below freezing, as frost can damage the foliage and flowers.

Pruning

Carnations, including the Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge', should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, promotes further blooming. Cut back the stems by one-third after the first flush of blooms usually in late summer to maintain plant vigor. Pruning is also an opportunity to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased stems.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, so a mix of two-thirds potting soil to one-third sand or perlite is ideal to maintain proper drainage and aeration. Adding organic compost can also enrich the soil.

Repotting

Carnations should typically be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. This cycle can be adjusted depending on the growth rate and the size of the container.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations thrive best in moderate humidity levels; too high humidity can encourage fungal diseases. Aim for a range of 40-60% humidity for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place carnations near a sunny window and ensure moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny spot, protect from extreme winds, and ensure well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge', also known as 'Moulin Rouge' carnation, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring, where soil temperature and moisture levels trigger the growth of embryonic plants. Seedlings emerge and establish a small rosette of leaves at ground level, while developing a root system. As the plant matures, stems elongate, and foliage becomes more abundant, leading up to the flowering stage, which is marked by the formation of distinctive deep red, fringed flowers with a strong, pleasant fragrance. After pollination, which is often aided by insects attracted to the flowers for their nectar, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle. The 'Moulin Rouge' carnation is a perennial plant, so it will enter a period of dormancy in the winter, reducing its above-ground activity, only to resume growth and repeat the cycle in the following spring. In absence of extreme conditions, this cycle will continue for several years as the plant grows and potentially spreads within its growing area.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Dianthus 'Moulin Rouge', commonly known as Sweet William, is mostly propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow Sweet William seeds is late spring to early summer, as the plant requires a period of cold stratification to facilitate germination. To propagate, collect seeds from a mature plant or purchase them, then sprinkle the seeds evenly over a well-drained seed starting mix in a tray or pot. Press the seeds gently into the soil but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the tray in a bright spot without direct sunlight. Germination usually occurs in two to three weeks at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be thinned out and eventually transplanted to their final growing location.