Pinks Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' (p)

Water

Pink 'Mrs Sinkins' should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. It is best to use a watering can to gently water the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can cause fungal diseases. They typically need water at least once a week, although this can vary depending on the weather and soil drainage. Aim to provide about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy.

Light

Pink 'Mrs Sinkins' flourishes in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in a location that is exposed to bright, direct light for the majority of the day. While it can tolerate some light shade, especially in regions with very hot summers, it will bloom most prolifically when planted in an area with ample sunlight.

Temperature

Pink 'Mrs Sinkins' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but thrives in conditions between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's capable of surviving minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle maximum temperatures up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperature ranges represent the cold hardiness of the plant and the ideal conditions for vigorous growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pink 'Mrs Sinkins' should be pruned to remove spent blooms, encourage repeat flowering, and maintain a compact shape. Deadheading, or snipping off the faded flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to stimulate new flower production. The best time to prune for shape is in early spring, just before new growth begins. You can also cut back the foliage by about one-third in the fall after flowering has finished, to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Pinks (Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins') should be well-draining and loamy with the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to encourage fertility. A neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for these plants. Adding perlite or grit can enhance drainage, which is essential to prevent root rot and to support healthy growth.

Repotting

Pinks (Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins') generally do not need to be repotted often as they prefer to be slightly root-bound. However, if the plant has outgrown its container or the soil has become exhausted, it can be repotted in the spring every two to three years.

Humidity & Misting

Pinks (Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins') thrive in average humidity conditions and do not require high humidity levels. Consistent air circulation and avoiding overly damp conditions will contribute to the plant's health and prevent issues such as fungal infections.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Pinks near a sunny window; avoid overwatering and rich soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant Pinks in full sun with good drainage and space between for air.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' begins its life as a seed, which upon germinating, develops a small root system and shoots that give rise to basal leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a tight clump of grassy, blue-green foliage from which long, slender stems emerge. These stems bear fragrant, frilly, pure white flowers typically in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators and potentially leading to seed production if the flowers are fertilized. After blooming, if the flowers are left to develop seed pods, the plant can self-sow, although Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins' is also often propagated by cuttings or division. As temperatures decline in late autumn, the plant may enter a dormancy phase, especially in regions with cold winters. With the return of warm weather, the plant breaks dormancy, regrows if it has died back, and prepares for another cycle of flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Dianthus 'Mrs Sinkins', commonly known as Pinks, is through cuttings. This is ideally done during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Pinks from cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 3 to 4 inch (7.5 to 10 cm) length, ensuring several nodes are included. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, plant the cutting in a mix of half perlite and half peat in a small pot, water well and cover with a plastic bag or place in a propagator to retain humidity. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright place out of direct sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Pinks plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the garden.