How to Grow Pinks Flower Plants

Perennial, Dianthus Ceryophyllus

Pinks are members of the Dianthus family, a group of over 300 species of flowers. This group of flowers includes Carnations, Baby's Breath, and Sweet William. So, the attractive and sweet scented Pinks belong to a great family of flowers.

Easy to grow, Pinks are an extremely popular garden flower. They come in bright, cheerful pink, rose, light red and white colors. The fragrant blooms grow profusely on thin stems with long, grass-like leaves. They are available in single and double blooms that are up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Plants grow 12-18", and are best placed at or near the front of the flower garden. They look their best in thick groups or beds of plants.

Their compact size and showy blooms makes Pinks good candidates for pots or containers, on your patio or deck.

---

Plant Propagation:

Pinks are grown from seed. They can be directly seeded into your flower garden or started indoors for transplanting later. Start transplants six to eight weeks before the last frost in your area. If planting outdoors, sow them after the soil has begun to warm in the spring.

Sow Cottage Pink seeds early in the season, and cover lightly with soil. Space seeds or seedlings 10-12" apart. Pinks tolerate a little crowding.

---

How to Grow Cottage Pinks Plants:

Pinks plants are very easy to grow. They prefer full sun and a well drained soil. They will do well in average soils, but prefer rich soils. They tolerate dry soil conditions. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

Once your Pinks are established, they will grow well and bloom until frost. As a perennial, Pinks should be planted where they can grow year after year. Many people grow pinks as annuals.

---

Insect and Disease:

Insect and disease problems are uncommon. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

---