How to Grow Dianthus? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

Dianthus is one of China's traditional famous flowers, also known as stone chrysanthemum, embroidered bamboo, carnation, and so on. It is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Dianthus in the family Caryophyllaceae, with many varieties, bright flower colors, and a long blooming period that can last from spring to autumn. Grown in pots in a greenhouse, it can bloom in all four seasons. The main varieties include Jintuan dianthus, dwarf dianthus, and fringed-petal dianthus. Now let's take a look at how to grow dianthus!

Growth Habits of Dianthus

Dianthus is native to northern China and now grows widely in both the north and south, and is also found in Siberia, Russia, and Korea. It is cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant, but not tolerant of intense heat. In summer it often grows poorly or withers, so shade and cooling should be provided during cultivation. It prefers plenty of sunlight, dry conditions, and a ventilated, cool, and humid climate. It requires fertile, loose, well-drained loam or sandy loam containing lime, and dislikes waterlogging. It responds well to fertilizer. It grows on grasslands and hillside meadows.

Propagation Methods of Dianthus

1. Sowing: Dianthus propagation by sowing is generally carried out in September. Sow in an open-field seedbed, keep the soil moist after sowing, and sprouts will appear 5 days after sowing, with seedlings emerging in about 10 days. The suitable temperature for seedling growth is 10-20°C. When the seedlings grow 4-5 leaves, they can be transplanted and will bloom the following spring. They can also be directly sown outdoors in September or sown in pots in a cold room from November to December, then planted out in the open field in April of the following year.

2. Cuttings: Dianthus propagation by cuttings is carried out from October to late February to March of the following year. During the period of lush branches and leaves, cut tender shoots 5-6 cm long as cuttings, and they will root 15-20 days after insertion.

3. Division: Dianthus propagation by division is mostly done after flowering using old plants, and can be carried out in autumn or early spring. For example, division can be done in April, attention should be paid to drainage in summer, and fertilizer and water management should be strengthened after September, so that it blooms again in early October.

Cultivation Methods of Dianthus

1. Soil: Dianthus requires fertile, loose, well-drained loam or sandy loam containing lime, and is fairly tolerant of alkaline soil. A cultivation soil can be made by mixing 6 parts garden soil, 2 parts compost, and 2 parts sandy soil.

2. Watering: During the growth and development period, it is best to keep the potting soil moist. Too much watering can easily cause root rot.

3. Sunlight: During the growing period, dianthus requires sufficient light and should be placed in a sunny spot. In summer, diffused light is preferable, and direct exposure to strong sun should be avoided. When the temperature is high, provide shade and cooling.

4. Temperature: The suitable temperature for dianthus growth is 15-20°C. In winter it should be placed in a greenhouse, with the temperature kept above 12°C.

5. Pests: Dianthus is often harmed by rust disease and red spider mites. For rust disease, spray with a 1500-fold dilution of 50% carboxin wettable powder; for red spider mites, spray with a 1500-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

6. Pruning: Dianthus can bloom again after pruning. To encourage more blooms, pinch the tips to make it branch more, and be sure to promptly remove axillary buds to reduce nutrient consumption.

Extra: Feng Shui of Dianthus

1. Balcony: According to sunlight conditions, dianthus can be placed on the balcony, but avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and it is best to have a little shade. The balcony is where the home gathers qi. If the balcony faces southeast, it is even more suitable for growing plants. The southeast is the Wenchang position, and placing a somewhat larger pot of dianthus there can be somewhat helpful for the children's studies at home. If the balcony faces southwest or northeast, you can choose to grow bright red or red dianthus, using fire to dissolve wood qi.

2. Dining room: We know that in feng shui the dining room mainly represents health, so it must be clean and tidy. You can choose a pot of yellow dianthus, especially yellow carnations, and place it in the dining room, or arrange cut flowers on the dining table, which can increase appetite and promote the family's health. In addition, you can also pay attention to the kitchen. The kitchen should avoid foul odors, so you can place red or white dianthus in the southeast, which is not only attractive but also removes odors.

3. Living room: Choose purple and red or purplish-red dianthus and place it in the living room. It has the auspicious meaning of great prosperity and prominence, and the stems of dianthus have nodes like bamboo, which makes people feel it is noble and pure, while also bearing flowers of various colors. This is a very good combination that can make guests fall in love with it at first glance. Moreover, it has the effect of killing pathogens, keeping family members away from germs and always healthy.