Plant Now: Dianthus, Carnations, Pinks

Pinks, carnations, sweet Williams – they’re all members of the Dianthus family, and they can all be sown now. Pinks and carnations are perennial plants while the shorter bedding dianthus and sweet Williams are biennials, although many of the newer hybrids are grown as annuals.
The various types all require the same growing conditions – full sun and well-drained soil. Cover seed with no more than 5mm soil and avoid overwatering while establishing, as stems may rot. Even established plants will succumb to stem rot from excessive watering or rainy weather. Dianthus will benefit from some food, but too much will produce lots of foliage at the expense of flowers.
Seeds can be bought from Egmont Seeds and Kings Seeds.