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How to transplant China pink (Dianthus chinensis) so it survives more easily

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This green plant grows fairly low and compact, with stems like bamboo and very emerald-green leaves, which is how it got its name. It blooms naturally from May to September, and can keep flowering from late spring all the way into autumn; if grown in a greenhouse, it can even bloom all year round. Its flowers are not very large in diameter, but they are very numerous and extremely beautiful, and many people are happy to grow it. But if you want to transplant it, how should you go about it?

I. Timing

It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and has very strong adaptability. Many of its varieties can overwinter outdoors in the north, and if grown at home it can generally survive for many years. It can be planted in two rounds, in spring and autumn. If sown in spring, it will bloom by around September and October; if planted in autumn, it will bloom in May and June of the following year, with blooming generally lasting about two months. In many regions people choose to plant in autumn, usually around late August to early September, watering the garden soil thoroughly and scattering the seeds in; after just 7 to 10 days small seedlings will come up. When they reach 3 cm, transplant them to a spot sheltered from wind with light, which helps them get through winter; you do not need to protect them from the cold, and if it is really too cold, just cover them with some leaves. By late April of the following year they can be planted in their final position. If you choose to sow in April, once they grow to 3 to 4 cm they can be transplanted, with at least 6 cm between each plant.

II. Procedure

First prepare pots and fertile soil, apply the base fertilizer well, and sow 5 to 6 seeds in each pot; this is to guard against some seeds not germinating. Once 1 to 2 leaves have grown, you can thin the seedlings, and once 3 to 4 leaves have grown, they can be transplanted. Note that each small plant should be spaced about 5 cm apart, plant three in each pot, then water them. In June they can be planted in their final position.

III. Routine care

1. The planting spot should have light and be relatively cool. It does not need especially good soil, but drainage and aeration must be good. If growing it in a pot, use potting mix.

2. During its growing period, give it liquid fertilizer once every ten days; if it is planted in garden soil, apply fertilizer two or three times. If planted in autumn, you can harvest the seeds in July; you can cut back the plant and keep the roots, and by August new shoots will grow again. It can bloom in September and October. When it is a seedling, pay attention to drainage, otherwise it will develop damping-off disease.

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