Carnation Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer' (p)

Water

Carnations, such as Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer', prefer evenly moist soil and need to be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering about once a week, but this frequency can vary depending on climate, weather conditions, and the plant's environment. It is important to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. During a watering session, slowly pour water near the base of the plant until it begins to run out of the drainage holes, which might be approximately one gallon for outdoor plants or fewer ounces for smaller containers.

Light

Carnations thrive in full sun conditions, which means they need to be placed in a spot where they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal location would be a south-facing garden bed or window sill where they are exposed to bright and unfiltered light through most of the day. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in the hottest parts of the day, but too much shade can lead to poor blooming.

Temperature

Carnations such as Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer' prefer cooler temperatures and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. They enjoy a range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. These plants can survive up to a maximum of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it's essential to protect them from extreme heat which can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning carnations encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. Perform a more extensive pruning to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged stems, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Carnations should be pruned at least once a year to maintain their shape and health.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Carnations prefer well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.7 to 6.9. A good mix can be created using one part peat moss, one part garden soil, and one part sand or perlite. This ensures proper drainage while retaining enough moisture for the plant's needs.

Repotting

Carnations like Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer' should be repotted every 1-2 years, ideally in the spring. This allows the plant to refresh its root system and access new nutrients from the fresh potting mix.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations thrive in moderate humidity levels, around 40-50%. They do not require overly humid environments; maintaining usual room humidity is generally adequate for their growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from harsh winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer' (Pink) begins with seed germination, which is best carried out in a well-draining, fertile soil under warm conditions. Once the seedlings emerge, they enter the vegetative growth stage, developing a rosette of leaves from which stems will later grow. During the flowering stage, the Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer' produces its characteristic fringed flowers, which can be a range of colors including pink, red, or white, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. After pollination, often by bees or butterflies, the plant will set seed, completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout the growing season, the Dianthus may enter a period of dormancy, especially in hot summer climates or during winter in colder regions. Finally, as a perennial plant, it will re-emerge from its root system the following year, ready to repeat the life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Dianthus 'Suffolk Summer', commonly known as a variety of Carnation or Pinks, is best propagated through cuttings. This method is favored because it maintains the genetic traits of the parent plant, ensuring that the offspring display the same characteristics. To propagate through cuttings, you need to take a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) stem cutting from a non-flowering shoot in late spring or early summer. The cut should be made just below a leaf node, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mix. It is essential to keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm place with indirect sunlight until roots develop, which can take a few weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted to its final growing location.