Pinks Dianthus Sunflor Charmy = 'Hilcharm' (Sunflor Series) (pt)

Water

Pinks, or garden pinks, like Dianthus Sunflor Charmy, should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. They prefer not to sit in wet soil, thus overwatering can lead to root rot. For potted plants, this might mean watering once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. During hot, dry periods, they may require watering twice a week, whereas in cooler, moist conditions, less frequent watering is required. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to maintain optimal health for the pinks

Light

Garden pinks like Dianthus Sunflor Charmy thrive in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. They perform best when placed in a spot where they can enjoy bright, unfiltered sunlight, which promotes vigorous blooming and healthy growth. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is ideal to provide the high light levels this plant craves

Temperature

Garden pinks like Dianthus Sunflor Charmy perform best in cooler temperatures, thriving in a range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and cooler at night. They can tolerate temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and high temperatures up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but optimal growth occurs within the cooler end of this range. Extended periods of heat can be stressful for the plant, so providing some afternoon shade during the hottest parts of summer can be beneficial

Pruning

Pruning garden pinks like Dianthus Sunflor Charmy is essential for maintaining a compact shape, encouraging new growth, and promoting more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to extend the blooming period. A more thorough pruning to remove about one-third of the plant's height can be done after the first main flush of blooms has finished, often in late spring or early summer, to rejuvenate the plant

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Dianthus, commonly known as Carnation or Pink, is well-draining, loose, and fertile with added organic matter. A mix of one part garden soil, one part peat or coco coir, and one part perlite or sand is ideal. The pH should be slightly alkaline, between 6.7 and 7.3. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will support healthy growth.

Repotting

Carnations, like the Dianthus Sunflor Charmy, should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring after the danger of frost has passed but before the onset of extreme heat.

Humidity & Misting

Dianthus, commonly known as Carnation, prefers a moderate humidity level. While they are relatively tolerant to different humidity conditions, they thrive best with humidity levels around 40-60%. If the air is too dry, particularly indoors, a pebble tray or occasional misting can help maintain an appropriate level of moisture in the air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, use well-draining soil, and ensure moderate humidity.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Dianthus Sunflor Charmy begins with seed germination, typically initiated under controlled nursery conditions or within a favorable temperate climate. Seedlings emerge and develop a rosette of narrow, green foliage, which is followed by the vegetative stage where they grow and establish robust roots. As the plant enters the flowering stage, stems elongate, and vibrant, fragrant flowers bloom, showcasing a range of colors from pink to red and sometimes with variegated patterns. This perennial plant may go dormant in colder winter conditions, only to resume growth and rebloom with the return of warmer weather in spring. The plant can be propagated through division or cuttings, leading to new plants that undergo the same life cycle. Throughout its life, the Dianthus Sunflor Charmy requires regular maintenance including adequate sunlight, water, and pruning to encourage ongoing health and repeat blooming.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: For the Dianthus Sunflor Charmy, a popular method of propagation is by cuttings. This method is typically undertaken in late spring to early summer when the plant has plentiful growth to spare for cuttings. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and make a clean cut to create a 3 to 4-inch piece (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters). Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Then, insert the cutting into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in indirect light and maintain the soil moisture until roots have established, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.