Caring for potted China pinks (Dianthus chinensis) this way keeps the leaves from turning yellow or dropping, and the flowers bloom bigger and bigger
As an ornamental plant, China pink is generally sown in spring and blooms in summer and autumn. The plant is about 30 cm tall, with many flower colors including purplish red, bright red, pink and white. The fragrance is not very strong, fresh and elegant, and the flowering period is generally from about April to October. So how should China pinks be grown?
1. Light
During the growing period it requires plenty of light, so place it in a sunny spot. In summer, diffused light is preferable, avoiding harsh sun exposure. When temperatures are high, provide shade and cool it down.
2. Temperature
The suitable growing temperature for potted China pinks is 15-20°C. In winter they should be placed in a greenhouse, with the temperature kept above 12°C.
3. Pinching
If you want China pinks to bloom more, you can pinch off the growing tips and remove buds to encourage more branching, but you must promptly remove the axillary buds, otherwise with many branches the nutrients will be spread out. Removing axillary buds appropriately concentrates the nutrients and reduces nutrient consumption. Before flowering, promptly remove some flower buds in the leaf axils, mainly to ensure the terminal flower bud blooms, which can promote larger and more vividly colored flowers.
4. Potting soil
China pink is highly adaptable and does not demand much from the potting soil, but it is best to use fertile, loose, well-drained loam or sandy loam containing lime, which helps drainage and also supplements nutrients.
5. Fertilizing
Apply sufficient base fertilizer, planting 2-3 plants per pot. When the seedlings grow to 15 cm tall, remove the terminal buds to encourage branching, and afterward take care to remove axillary buds appropriately, otherwise with many branches the nutrients will be spread out and the flowers will be small. Removing axillary buds appropriately concentrates the nutrients, which can promote larger and more vividly colored flowers.
6. Watering
China pink is drought-tolerant and hates waterlogging. Watering should follow the rule of not watering until dry, and water as little as possible. Do not water it together with other flowers; it is best to give it one cycle longer than other flowers. Especially in winter, water as little as possible, generally watering only once every half a month or more.