Carnation Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan' (p)

Water

Carnations require well-drained soil and do not like to sit in wet conditions. Water your Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan' thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Depending on the climate and environment, this could mean watering once or twice a week, especially during the summer months. When you water, apply enough water to soak the soil to a depth of at least an inch, which typically equates to about half a gallon per plant. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture due to cooler temperatures and a reduction in growth.

Light

Carnations thrive in full sun, meaning the Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan' should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure it is planted or positioned in a spot that is exposed to unfiltered natural light for the majority of the day, as adequate sunlight is crucial for optimum growth and flower production.

Temperature

Carnations are hardy plants, and the Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan' can tolerate a range of temperatures. These plants can generally survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F, while during the growing season they prefer daytime temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. At the height of summer, they can handle temperatures up to 85°F, but consistently higher temperatures can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning encourages healthy growth and flowering in carnations, so trim your Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan' after the plant has finished flowering. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will stimulate a second bloom. It is also advisable to remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain good air circulation and prevent disease. Prune carnations back by one-third to one-half in late autumn to prepare them for winter and promote sturdy growth in the spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Dianthus, commonly known as Carnation or Pinks, should be well-draining, loamy or sandy with some organic matter. A pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable for optimal growth. To prepare the mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat moss, ensuring good aeration and drainage.

Repotting

Carnations, like Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan', should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide space for root growth. The best time to repot is in the early spring before new growth begins or after the blooming period ends.

Humidity & Misting

Carnations, including Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan', prefer moderate humidity levels. They thrive in average home humidity but can tolerate some dry conditions. It's not necessary to provide extra humidity for these plants.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright indirect light, in well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 12" apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan', commonly known as Pinks or Carnation, begins its life cycle as a seed, which will germinate in favorable conditions of light, temperature, and moisture, usually in spring. Upon germination, the plant develops a small rosette of leaves at the soil surface, and over time, it grows into a mat-forming perennial with numerous leafy stems. The next stage involves the plant producing buds, which bloom into distinctive fringed flowers typically in late spring to early summer, showcasing a range of colors often bicolored with markings. After the flowering stage, the plant enters pollination wherein insects like bees and butterflies are attracted to the blooms, aiding in the plant's sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the flowers will develop into seed capsules, containing multiple seeds that mature for dispersal or collection for the next planting. Finally, as a perennial, the Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan' may enter a period of dormancy in late fall or winter, where it conserves energy before regrowing in the following spring to start the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The Dianthus 'Whatfield Cancan', commonly known as pinks, is commonly propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is just hard enough to snap when bent. To propagate, a healthy non-flowering stem is chosen and a cutting of about 3 to 4 inches (about 7.5 to 10 centimeters) is made just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand to provide good drainage. The pot is kept under warm conditions with high humidity, often by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.