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| Dianthus allwoodii | Common name; Garden Pinks |
A flowering border plant that produces many flowers during June and July and grows 400mm (16") high with a spread of 250mm (10").
Occasionally it will flower again, in September and October.
Pick cut flowers early in the morning and stand them up to their necks in water for few hours before arranging them.
Do not use organic mulches, as these may cause stem rot.
Although they can be divided (Week 13), it is better that they are propagated every two or three years, either by layering or cuttings.
To divide; carefully loosen the roots after flowering with a hand fork, and lift and pull the plants apart to leave a good main stem on each portion.
Replant the divisions 300mm (12") apart.
Week 13; Sow seeds thinly on the compost surface, and cover with vermiculite, then germinate at a temperature of around 18°-21°C (64°-70°F).
Germination should take about 7 days
n.b Seed may not come true to variety.
Week 16-17; As soon as the first true leaves appear, prick out the seedlings, into cell trays or 75mm pots of potting compost.
Grow on in a coldframe until planting out time.
Week 16; Stopping established plants is necessary to build up good side-growths before flowers are produced, however this might delay flowering.
Stop any young pinks that run to flower without making good side-shoots, older plants seldom require stopping
Stopping is done by breaking off the top of the main shoots just above a joint.
Week 18; Prepare the bed by digging the soil one spit deep, and working in a light dressing of well-rotted farmyard manure or compost.
Make a soil test and apply lime if the pH is below 6.5.
Rake in bone-meal at 100gms (4 oz) per sq. metre into the surface.
n.b. Too rich soil can encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Week 21; Plant out in a well drained sunny situation in soil that has been lightly manured.
Plant firmly and, to avoid stem rot, bury as little as possible of the stems.
If the plants tend to sway when first planted, secure them temporarily to 150mm (6") split canes and tie in with thin wire rings.
Week 26; Take piping cuttings or alternatively layer suitable side shoots.
Week 32: After flowering, remove the old flower stems, rake in a proprietary high-potash fertiliser at 100gms (4 oz) per sq. metre, then water the plants thoroughly.
Week 36; Check layers, and if rooted sever from the parent plants.
Three or four weeks later, lift the rooted the plantlets and place in flowering quarters.
Support the plantlets by tying into a split cane until they become established.
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