NATURE ATTRACTION- The ‘Dessert Series’ Dianthus is a bloom machine that will satisfy any gardener’s sweet tooth. This new hybrid series is irresistible to gaze at with their awesome attention-getting flowers, floriferous nature, sweet fragrance, and vigorous habit. They are deer resistant and a favorite of butterflies.
KEY TIPS – Deadheading or pinching the flowers back after their heavy spring blooming is recommended. Deadheading is not necessary but will encourage them to re-bloom quite heavily again in fall. They can be subdivided in early spring when the new growth begins to occur. Do so after 2-3 years as this will increase yield considerably.
SHELF LIFE – Plant in garden immediately after the night temperatures stay above 40 degrees.
PLANT Preparation- Cut away any yellow or brown leaves or broken stems that may have occurred.  This grooming is completely normal and will take place as the plant grows.
POTTED PLANTS – Rather than the garden you may re-pot into containers. Repot the plants into at least 8 inch pots separately or together inside one larger container.
SOIL PREPARATION – If your soil is clayish amend it with a standard garden soil for adequate drainage and moisture retentiveness.
GARDEN PREPARATION – Pick a sunny location that can be easily viewed for the flower’s beauty. Borders, perimeters, and walkways are a great location.
PLANTING DEPTH and SPACING - Plant separately spacing about 9-12 inches. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and about 5-6 inches deep. Place them in their holes and pack soil firmly around plant.
PLANT HEIGHT and WIDTH – They will grow about 6-12 inches tall and 9-12 inches wide.
SPROUTING TIME – Next season they will come back up in early spring. It takes a little longer if the temperatures are still cool.
WATER - Water thoroughly upon planting and continue once or twice a week.
FERTILIZER – This helps maintain flower size and count from year to year. For best results, use Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food (M7503) once a month all summer long.
LIGHTING –Full sun or partial sun is preferred.
BLOOMING – They are prolific blooming plants that bloom heaviest in late spring and sporadically throughout summer. If deadheaded they will re-bloom quite heavily in fall.
TEMPERATURE ZONE 5 to 9- These are hardy down to a minus 10 degrees below 0 when planted into the ground. In containers they withstand about 10 F.
WINTER DORMANCY – After the first heavy frost, cut all shoots back to about 3 inches above the soil. Add a few inches of top dress mulch of straw, pine needles or leaves. Remove in early spring. Plants rest from November - April.
PROPAGATING- These plants will re-bloom and spread every year. They can be subdivided in early spring when the new growth begins to occur. Do so after 2-3 years as this will increase yield considerably.
CUT FLOWERS – They are best enjoyed on the plant.
STAKING – The flower stems need no staking.
GROOMING – Deadheading or pinching the flowers back after their heavy spring blooming is recommended. Deadheading is not necessary but will encourage them to re-bloom quite heavily again in fall.