How to grow Dianthus acicularis? Detailed guide to cultivation and care methods

I. Planting Dianthus acicularis

Dianthus acicularis has many advantages such as drought tolerance and water saving, alkali tolerance, tolerance of poor soil, cold tolerance, and a long green period. When planting, pay attention to the following issues:

1. Soil selection. The soil at the planting site is best sandy or semi-sandy soil. If a clay section is encountered, sand can be mixed in to improve it, which is beneficial for drainage and root growth.

2. Land preparation. Generally, only the 15 to 20 cm deep soil layer needs to be turned over, and stones and debris should be picked out. The soil does not need to be sifted. After the plot is leveled, planting can begin. If there are low-lying sections, drainage facilities should be provided to ensure normal plant growth. Whether the plot is level is the key to whether the turf will be level after it forms.

3. Planting methods

(1) Division planting method. Divide a whole clump of Dianthus acicularis into small clumps about 5 to 6 cm in diameter. Dig holes about 10 to 12 cm deep in the planting site, bury the small clump seedlings in the holes, with the burial depth such that the branches and leaves are three to four cm above the ground. After backfilling, compact the soil and seedlings firmly, ensuring there are no gaps around the plants. The division planting method can greatly reduce planting costs.

(2) Whole-clump planting method. Dig holes at the same depth as the size of the Dianthus acicularis root system, place the roots of the seedlings vertically into the holes (the roots should spread out), then backfill and compact the surrounding soil and seedlings firmly. Whole-clump planting can achieve the effect of a formed turf immediately.

(3) Nutrient pot planting method. The nutrient pot planting method is relatively simple. Transplant the seedlings grown in nutrient pots into the ground, water once after planting, and no recovery period is needed.

4. Planting precautions

(1) When planting by division, keep the spacing between each plant even, and make the rows and columns straight. This is beneficial for balanced seedling growth and for appearance. The planting spacing is the key to how long it takes to form turf. For example, to achieve a formed turf effect in 3 months, about 25 plants can be planted per sq m.

(2) Two weeks after planting, promptly observe whether the seedlings have survived. If the seedlings are not found to be yellowing and new green buds have grown from the roots, it indicates that the seedlings have survived. If the seedlings are found to be gradually yellowing and no new buds have emerged from the roots, it indicates that the seedlings have not yet survived. At this time, promptly replant missing seedlings to help the overall turf form.

5. Water and fertilizer management. After planting, water and fertilizer management is the key to seedling survival.

(1) When watering on relatively flat sections, water thoroughly in one go. After several days, observe the seedling growth and then water once more. After they survive, there is no need to water. Never water them together when watering other plants.

(2) When planting on earth mounds or sections unsuitable for holding water, Dianthus acicularis needs frequent watering before it survives to keep sufficient moisture in the soil. Watering can stop after it survives. In midsummer, because the temperature is relatively high and water evaporates quickly during the day, watering in the morning is best.

(3) If the soil is poor or the user hopes for faster turf formation, some organic fertilizer or chemical fertilizer can be applied.

II. Daily care and management

1. Watering. Dianthus acicularis is a drought-tolerant plant. It only needs to be watered once each in early spring and before the ground freezes in early winter. Natural rainfall can meet its needs. If faster turf formation is desired, the amount of watering can be appropriately increased according to the degree of drought.

2. Pruning. Dianthus acicularis grows low, with a plant height of 8 to 10 cm, and generally does not need pruning. If pruning is needed, the method is the same as for lawn pruning, but the height should be controlled at about 8 cm.

3. Pest and disease control. At present, no insect pests have been found on Dianthus acicularis. It is only prone to wilt disease in the summer rainy season (yellowing appears at the center top of the dianthus and spreads to the surrounding area). Agricultural streptomycin can be applied, and effects appear after one week.

4. Replanting missing seedlings. During daily care, if individual dead seedlings are found, nearby divisions can be used for replanting.

III. Misconceptions in planting and care

1. Not planting according to the required plant spacing, with spacing too large or too small. The normal planting spacing should be about 20 cm, but some reach 40 to 50 cm. This causes the closely spaced ones to have already grown large and closed together, while the widely spaced ones still cannot fully form turf, leaving the ground surface exposed.

2. After Dianthus acicularis survives, letting it go unchecked, allowing weeds to grow wildly, not applying pesticide even when yellowing appears, and not replanting missing seedlings even when plants wilt or even die.

3. Some people think that because Dianthus acicularis is drought-resistant and cold-resistant, they do not water it with freezing water or green-up water, and do not fertilize it, letting it grow naturally.

The above problems are the main reasons for poor growth after planting and slow turf formation in Dianthus acicularis, and attention should be paid to them.