Pinks Dianthus 'Widecombe Fair' (p)

Water

Carnations require moderate watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, typically from spring to fall, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions; less frequent watering may be required during cooler months or in rainy climates. It's important to provide approximately one inch of water per watering session, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. To avoid fungal diseases, water at the base of the plant rather than from overhead. During hot, dry spells, you might need to increase watering to maintain consistent moisture.

Light

Carnations prefer full sun to thrive, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these plants is in a location where they will receive plenty of morning sunlight, which is less intense, and some partial shade during the hottest part of the afternoon, especially in very warm climates. Avoid deep shade as it can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.

Temperature

Carnations enjoy cooler temperatures and perform best in an environment where average daytime temperatures range between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, while they can handle nighttime temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder weather, down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can be damaging. Carnations are not suited for prolonged exposure to temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessive heat may result in poor growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning carnations encourages healthy growth and prolific blooming. Prune them back after flowering by removing spent blooms and thinning out dense growth to promote air circulation, which helps prevent disease. The best time for major pruning is in early spring to remove old or dead stems and to shape the plant for the upcoming growing season. Light pruning and deadheading can be done throughout the growing season as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Sweet William prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, around 6.5 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix consists of one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or sand to improve drainage.

Repotting

Sweet William typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Sweet William thrives in average household humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in a sunny spot, ensure good airflow, and water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and space adequately.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Dianthus 'Widecombe Fair', commonly known as Pink, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in a warm, well-draining soil mix under appropriate temperature and moisture conditions. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with its first set of true leaves and continues to grow, establishing a root system and foliage. The vegetative growth phase follows, with the plant developing a compact, bushy form and producing lance-shaped, green-grey leaves. After this period of vegetative growth, the Pink enters the flowering stage, producing its distinctive, fringed flowers that range in color from white to pink with a marked, often darker eye, usually blooming in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, which can be achieved by insects or manually by gardeners, the plant produces small seed capsules containing numerous tiny seeds, allowing for the potential spread and continuation of the species. As a perennial, the plant will go into a period of dormancy during the colder months, conserving energy to begin the cycle anew with the return of favorable growing conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Dianthus 'Widecombe Fair', commonly known as Pink, is typically propagated through cuttings. This is the most popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to take cuttings is in late spring or early summer. At this time, you should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a segment that is about 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until roots have formed, after which it can be transplanted to a permanent location. This method has a good success rate and is ideal for home gardeners who wish to propagate Pinks.