Dianthus-Carnations

(Dianthus caryophyllus) The spicy, clove-scented flowers of dianthus, a cottage garden favorite also called clove pinks or carnations, are adored by pollinators, butterflies and hummingbirds! The delightfully frilly blooms lend a welcome splash of color to border gardens and the long-stemmed varieties make excellent cut flowers. Sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost date for blooms the same year. Seeds sown directly in the garden in late spring or summer will bloom the following year. Dianthus is a tender perennial typically grown as an annual. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date or direct seed before last frost; a little frost helps germination. Surface and lightly cover with a thin layer of soil. Do not allow them to become potbound! Space plants 8-12 inches apart.