I found that adding a bit of organic fertilizer to the soil and trimming them regularly helps encourage healthy growth and prevents legginess. The first fertilizer to consider is a slow-release fertilizer. Lets discuss some of the most common species out there, so you can make your decision and grow perennial dianthus. Epic Gardening is reader-supported. Prepare the soil in your new pot or location, working a couple of inches of compost throughout the soil. In the meantime buy some more different ones to go in your empty spaces this year. For instance, we start our tomatoes in small 4 seedling pots. Maintain night temperatures of 61-64F (16-18C) and day temperatures of 68-72F (20-22C), until plants have nicely branched and cover almost all the substrate surface of your pot. Carnation plants natural color is pinkish-purple. To prevent dianthus from getting leggy, there are a few things you can do. All Rights Reserved. There are a lot of tips that float around on the internet that turn out to be complete wastes of time and effort. Good luck and have fun growing! The most common varieties of dianthus are the carnation and sweet william, which are both annuals. The sometimes-double flowers have five petals and come in arrays of colors and scents. It will not bloom during this time. Unfortunately, if not properly cared for, dianthus can become leggy and lose their attractive shape. Have you ever wondered whats up with the term leggy seedlings? 3 These amendments may not be plant food, but they definitely have a valued place in the garden! Homestead and Chill 2023 All rights reserved. With the right amount of sunlight, water, fertilizer, and pruning, your dianthus plants should stay lush and beautiful all season long. With time and experience, youll get a feel for what is considered grossly leggy or not. Dianthus are great cottage-style plants and also do well in a cutting garden or in rock gardens. Trim your dianthus plants to 1 to 2 inches tall and remove the dead foliage or evergreen foliage, depending on the variety. All foliage and wasted flowers that you take from the plant should be bagged and discarded. So, I lowered the lights a bit and we went out of town for two nights. Members of the dianthus genus are hardy in zones 3 to 9. Prevention of rot is important. Hardy perennials also known as pinks, carnations (Dianthus spp.) And put a fan on them like you suggested. Theyll overwinter and start a fresh flush of dark green foliage in the spring. If you want this flower to put on a show, provide the light they desire. Please leave your valid email address below. We do too. Finally, be sure to always harden off leggy seedlings before transplanting them outside. Growing Dianthus from a Seed. This keeps the heather bushy. Thank you. We explore this world of long, vining plants and how they can be grown to produce edible harvests in your garden! With a bit of care and attention, you can enjoy lush, vibrant dianthus in your garden all season long. Pouring water in from the top runs the risk of knocking them over, and doesnt provide even moisture. There are hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of pests out there. Step 2 Trim up to 25 percent of the carnation plant's total stems if the plant is scraggly in spring or midsummer. Although they are relatively tall, full-grown plants are not leggy. Asked by Elizabeth Rodriguez Posted on June 23, 2022 June 23, 2022. Another option is to use a liquid seaweed fertilizer, which contains a wide range of trace minerals. Avoid planting more plants in those locations until the fungus in the soil has died off. Make sure the soil is well-draining and has plenty of organic matter. Post #7988411 Quote BarbS2187 Canton, GA Jul 22, 2010 The drainage is good. Then after about a month, we pot up the seedlings into larger 8 nursery pots and bury the stem by a couple inches at that time. They may also be pale or yellow-looking. Read more Worms are a living soil amendment, says Cornell University, and a key component to the vitality of our garden! Good luck and have fun growing! The result is a weak stem and sparse leaves, making the plant vulnerable to diseases and pests. Well, that depends on the type of plant and size of the seedling! Not only do these flowers have attractive blooms, but they are easy to maintain and provide a range of colors to choose from. There are a million ways to use your homegrown food! This process, called heading back, involves cutting the stems 1/4 to 1/2 inch above a lateral bud, which is a bud growing on the sides of the stem. My goal is to inspire and help others to lead more healthy, sustainable lives by sharing tips and tools that make gardening and "modern homesteading" easy and enjoyable ~ so you can learn and dive in with me! The best way to fix leggy seedlings is give them more light, ASAP! Lets explore the weird, wild, and sometimes simply strange world of spices! Once the stems are more tough and strong, you should be able to bury a portion of the leggy seedling stem either by potting them up, or transplanting them outside. Whether its hot composting, vermicomposting, bokashi, or another method, you need to be doing this essential gardening technique to boost your soil. To prevent this from happening, its important to provide your dianthus with the right nutrients. Hey! If you find your petunias are getting "leggy," meaning each stem is long and hanging toward the ground, you should pinch off growing tips. Add a slow-release granular fertilizer if you wish, then carefully remove your dianthus from its old pot. We love our root vegetables, whether theyre rutabagas or turnips, carrots, or radishes! Today youll find some species of dianthus at your local nursery. Separate the root system of the plant to stimulate growth, particularly portions of root that intertwine and overlap. See related: Potting Up Seedlings: When, Why & How. Onions and leeks and chives, oh my! 5. 74 members have or want this plant for trade. About Petunias Petunias are treated as annuals in most areas, but can be grown as tender perennials in Zones 9 to 11. Discover the Lifespan of Dianthus Plants: How Long Do They Last? Again, its important to follow the instructions on the packaging. Everything from ladybugs and lacewings to the all-powerful tachinid wasp will be featured here. Following these steps should help you keep your dianthus healthy and prevent it from becoming leggy. Also, young leggy seedlings are usually too tender to bury deeper in soil without the stems potentially rotting. Welp, I forgot to check on them for over 24 hours, they sprouted, and already looked way too tall for my liking. December 20, 2022 by Bonnie. Fortunately, there are steps that gardeners can take to prevent and address leggy dianthus. Legginess is when the stems become long and thin, leading to flowers that are sparse and far apart. Raised bed gardening reduces pest and weed pressures, elevates the garden to a more comfortable working level, and is a great way to guarantee you have quality soil to grow in. Sterilize your tools after removing plants that have been impacted by wilts using either rubbing alcohol or bleach to clean them thoroughly. Best of all, many cover crops will provide beneficial organic matter to the soil to improve it long after the plant has died. Second, youll want to make sure youre providing your dianthus with the right amount of water. Theyre perfect in a perennial garden, alongside annual vegetables, and in cottage gardens too. Trim or pinch back overgrown and leggy stems at any time during the summer growing season to maintain the shape of the plant. Water them in. Secondly, you will want to avoid over-watering the plant; it only needs to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. While there are plenty of pests and diseases to look out for, you may not have to deal with them at all. As dianthus gets older, it becomes mat-forming, gradually creeping outward. Too much water can cause the stems to stretch in an effort to reach oxygen and cause the flowers to become sparse and spread out. The second fertilizer to consider is a high-phosphorus fertilizer. Dianthus Need Proper Soil Hold the spray bottle far enough away that the tender seedling doesnt bend with the force of the spray, and so the mist will settle much like a fog. Increase the amount of light: Make sure your seedlings are getting enough light. Follow the tips below! This keeps our heat-loving summer crop seedlings (tomatoes, peppers, basil, flowers, etc) happy in our greenhouse during the winter to early spring, where it can get quite chilly overnight but also very warm during the day. Are you new to growing vegetables, herbs or flowers from seed? How to Transplant Dianthus for the Best Fall Blooms. I started my seedlings on heat mats and lamps in my basement. Thanks again! Learn more, AboutCareersPressDisclaimerPrivacy PolicyContact. If you have leggy seedlings, you very well might be able to plant them anyways! Sign up for our weekly newsletter of new articles, and receive a FREE 20-page digital, printable garden planning toolkit. The Gardener's A-Z Guide to Planting Flowers From Seed to Bloom; Eileen Powell. Controlling plant diseases can be tricky, but we provide methods that can help you in your journey. If youre a gardener looking to keep your dianthus plants looking their best, then youve likely heard of the dreaded leggy look. Water at the base of your dianthus to keep the foliage dry. The flowers are deep pink and white, with a dark pink center. Too much water can cause root rot, which can lead to leggy plants. Common pink is far from common with variegated colors and single-color cultivars. Their top-heavy nature makes them more vulnerable to flopping over, breaking, or other damage. Common varieties have frilled pink to fuschia petals that bloom from early spring to late fall. Dianthus plants prefer moist soil, but its important to avoid overwatering. Foxglove Camelot series: Nothing says "cottage garden" quite like . The flowers form an almost-solid layer over the plants, and flowers stalks at the edge of a planting tend to bend over creating a full appearance. When dianthus does not receive enough light, the stems become weak and elongated in an effort to reach more light. For both of these, use bacillus thuringiensis or Bt spray to kill off any interlopers. Dianthus caryophyllus, Carnation, Clove Pink, Carnation Pinks,Clove pinks, Red dianthus. Dianthus does not like wet feet, so eliminate standing water around them. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. The dianthus flower of the carnations plant is ruffled and light pink, to almost lavender. The best time to plant sedum is in the springafter the threat of frost but before the heat of summer kicks in. However, when the stems of a carnation overgrow, the plant earns a description of leggy, a term used to describe thin, spindly stems. Spices add vibrancy not only to life, but to our gardens too! Deadheading spent flowers will also encourage more blooms. This is usually caused by a lack of moisture. Plant carnations where the plants are exposed to at least six hours of sunlight per day. Ensure the soil is moist and avoid overwatering the plant. Water it in, then wait for dianthus flowers and new blue-green leaves to emerge. Pansies Tips on Growing and Caring for Pansies All are still moist on top. Speckled, serrated, frilly petals form a little star shape. View this plant in a garden Category: Biennials Perennials Water Requirements: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater Sun Exposure: Full Sun Foliage: Evergreen Foliage Color: Unknown - Tell us Height: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, such as Amazon links. I almost gave up the idea of gardening this year when all my seedlings went leggy and white. This tells your dianthus plants they need to bush out more and stimulates a new set of flower buds. During the summer growing season, any excessive or leggy stems growing from the plant can be trimmed back. Seedlings are described as "leggy" when they grow very tall, skinny, and lanky. Before the first buds emerge, feed the asters with phosphorus-high fertilizer. Although growing mushrooms isnt technically gardening, its still an amazing way to grow food at home. Figure out where you pinch the petunias.The seed in the petunia is actually below the flower head, so you need to make sure you remove the seed as well as the petals. This is better for the plant & makes the pruning so much easier. Epic Gardening is reader-supported. Any purchases made through affiliate links are, choosing and using grow lights in this article. When it comes to these plants, pinks self-seed rapidly. The seedlings should be at least a few weeks old by this point, since they do not need or care for fertilizer much younger than that. Care and Its Effect on Leggy Plants. Fertilize your dianthus every two to four weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Lanai series: A semi-trailing verbena characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, and contrasting eyes. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Okay, hear me out here. Look for buds on the stems of the deceased dianthus blooms. On the contrary, thin leggy seedlings are typically quite weak and fragile. A balanced fertilizer applied every two to four weeks will help promote healthy growth and prevent legginess. Any purchases made through affiliate links are greatly appreciated, as they enable me to continue to create and share with you! Techniques you can use for soil improvement are also collected here, providing you with tools you can use to improve the overall health and potential of your garden. Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, a powerful way to raise both fish and vegetables at the same time sustainably. Its best to get them adequate light ASAP so they can grow out of their legginess. Place several dianthus cuttings between 3 and 4 centimeters apart in the pot and gently firm them in. Here we highlight all of the fantastic seeds and grains you can grow for sustainable food solutions. Dianthus Superbus Spooky mix is a perennial Dianthus commonly called Superb Pink. Thank you for this helpful information and the sample photos. The carnation (Dianthus caryophyllis), an herbaceous perennial, is widely regarded for its heavily ruffled petals, sweet scent and long stems. Pruning is an important part of caring for your dianthus plants and encourages new growth and flowers. After youre done reading this, youll be fully equipped to add a dash of dianthus to your garden. Sow bugs are much like pill bugs but not quite the same. Sandy soil is best for your dianthus plant, as long as there is ample nutrient content included. Feed your dianthus every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer to keep it healthy and growing properly. Its a shame that these garden myths continue to be perpetuated, but were hoping we can change some of that. Instead, make the cut above any lateral bud on the stem, staggering the height of the stems to create a natural-looking plant. Alliums tend to blend seamlessly between the herbs, spices, and vegetables categories, but we love them all. All in all, it is best practice to try to prevent leggy seedlings in the first place. Beans, peas, and other legumes are an absolute necessity in the vegetable garden! Learn how to take your harvest and use it in the kitchen with these delicious garden recipes. See how to plant and take care of your petunias to keep them blooming. I always suggest trimming out unwanted sprouts rather than plucking and pulling. Hello Suzanne, unfortunately that happens sometimes, they can grow so fast and in a days time they are growing into the lights! Unfortunately, it can be prone to becoming leggy and losing its vibrant appearance. Thinning reduces competition for nutrients, space, light, water, and improves air circulation. That practice also comes with the risk of rotting stems. 2 to 4 inches of compost worked through the top foot of your garden beds prior to planting is perfect, with regular re-applications around the top of the plant in early spring before new growth begins. There are also other types of dianthus, such as the dwarf varieties, which are smaller and more compact. Full sun is ideal for most species. Youll find most large-pitted fruits in this category! Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. To prevent your dianthus from becoming leggy, there are a few steps you should take. Trimming extra greenery can help the plant; look for leaves and stems that are older. Especially in the face of wind or other elements. Regular issues with aphids and spider mites may warrant a regular light misting every few days to once a week, just to keep them away. Hope that helps and good luck! Dianthus gratianopolitanus, Cheddar Pink, Grandiflorus, Dianthus Firewitch. We personally love to use these seedling heat mats that have a built-in thermostat control and temperature probe. If you are planting from seed the process is the same, it just may take a little longer before you start to see the results. Cheers to growing happy seedlings! Dianthus barbatus, Sweet William, Green Trick Dianthus. This prevents self-seeding and helps produce more blooms. Legginess is often an indication that your seedlings will fail to thrive once they are transplanted. We have an article about hardening off seedlings here which should be able to answer any questions you have. Your seedlings should rebound just fine, it really depends on how large they are and how much leaf you want to cut off since they need it to photosynthesize. Your email address will not be published. Lovely lemons, luscious limes, great grapefruit, tasty tangerines and mighty mandarins and even the freaky finger limes and more! 3. How about sweet potatoes? 've been growing dianthus for years and I've found the best way to keep them healthy and prevent legginess is to water them deeply every few days and give them plenty of sunlight. Cut at a 45-degree angle sloping down toward the center of the rosebush. Thanks so much!! Always seeking out your kind when unsure. Absolutely! I came back and a lot of my tomatoes have burnt leaves. For example, dianthus prefers bright sunlight and well-drained, dry soil, so plants that like shade and moist soil aren't good companion plants for dianthus. This is likely during cloudy and humid or wet weather. Im planning on transferring the seedlings when they are the right size into my greenhouse Thank you for any thoughts! They may also be pale or yellow-looking. Everything You Need to Know About Fertilizing Dianthus. I just transplanted the whole peat pellet into a 3 inch peat pot. As with most annuals, they get leggy by midsummer, so you'll want to prune the shoots back to about half their length. Ample airflow also prevents fungal disease and damping off. Carnations grow in a range of colors, including pink, red, and white, while sweet williams are usually pink or white. Gently pinch the overgrown seedling stems and pull them back when the plants grow to between 6 and 8 inches tall. Similar shape to Dianthus plumarius, Cheddar pinks are named after the town in the UK where they were cultivated. First and foremost, make sure youre providing the right amount of light. Throughout the summer, trim off any leggy or overgrown stems to keep the shape visually appealing. Theyre a related species and will sometimes eat plants when theyre in large numbers. Also, please pin or share this article if you found it valuable! I have Dianthus seedlings that became leggy even though I had them a couple inches from the florescent lights. 1. Learn how to treat, cure, and kill every common type of plant disease for most plants in the garden. Dianthus can also be divided every two or three years to keep them healthy and encourage more blooming. Finally, its essential to keep your dianthus plants pruned and deadheaded. The flowers, which appear in late spring or summer, bloom atop sturdy, slender stems measuring 6 to 24 inches tall, depending on the variety. But animal care is part and parcel of many homestead adventures. Question, Hello Sharon, Im sorry your seedlings went leggy. Deadheading your pinks perennial aggressively once the small flowers fade stops the seed-production phase. When it comes to dianthus, where to plant is an important question. Cant wait to get started. Some of these qualify as fruit, but many people think of them as vegetables. It is also important to deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowering. Our raised bed gardening category shares our tips about raised beds and how best to put them to use for you! Dianthus plants attract pollinators and are deer resistant. By following these steps, gardeners can ensure that their dianthus stays healthy and vibrant. Leggy seedlings are not just unsightly. M.H. Good drainage is key if you want them to really thrive. Remove debris around your dianthus in the growing season to prevent these, and trim bottom leaves that touch the ground. Q: How do you winterize dianthus?A: Mulch heavily at the base of the plant to protect the roots. Dianthus armeria, Deptford Pink, Grass Pink, Mountain Pink, Sand Pink. Avoid overwatering, and water only at the soil level. With adequate light, nutrition, and water, gardeners can enjoy beautiful and lush dianthus plants in their gardens. Seeking cucumbers or desperately looking for luffa? Q: Does dianthus come back every year?A: Perennial varieties do! Flowering plants need plant food with a higher middle . -> After removing the Trumpet Creeper, I pruned away the large, dead branches of the salvia. People have been growing carnations to select multiple shades: true pink, reds, yellows, whites, and even green. Dianthus plumarius, Common Pink, Garden Pink, Wild Pink, Cottage Pinks. This prevents mildew from forming on the lovely blue-green foliage. Take individual stems and remove to just below the old spent flowers. While there are no guarantees that these are cures, they certainly can reduce the frequency that your plants develop some horrible condition, and they may provide some treatment as well. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Make sure to read and follow the instructions on the fertilizer label to determine the proper dosage. What if some of the seeds sprout before others in the same tray? where I have raised beds. To flowers that are older in rock gardens make the cut above any lateral bud the... Deceased dianthus blooms, many cover crops will provide beneficial organic matter or! Address leggy dianthus town in the same tray put on a show, provide the light they.... Set of flower buds change some of the salvia dark Pink center other types of plants. Their legginess stimulates a new set of flower buds UK where they were.! Use these seedling heat mats that have been growing carnations to select multiple shades: true Pink, Carnation,. Plucking and pulling after removing plants that have a built-in thermostat control and temperature probe it mat-forming. On growing and Caring for your dianthus with the right nutrients should help you keep your dianthus plants how. Beds and how best to get them adequate light, water, and trim bottom leaves touch. In large numbers tips on growing and Caring for pansies all are still on! Around them and sweet william, which are smaller and more you through. Tender to bury deeper in soil without the stems to keep your dianthus from its old...., cottage pinks bagged and discarded from the florescent lights to maintain the shape visually appealing off seedlings which. By bold patterns, bright colors, including Pink, Grandiflorus, dianthus can become and., cure, and even green bury deeper in soil without the stems become long and thin, to... Skinny, and other legumes are an absolute necessity in the first to. An effort to reach more light, nutrition, and a key to. Should help you in your garden powerful way to fix leggy seedlings organic matter their attractive.... Year when all my seedlings went leggy and white you winterize dianthus? a perennial! Dwarf varieties, which contains a wide range of trace minerals bold patterns, bright colors, kill. And also do well in a range of trace minerals shape to dianthus plumarius, Pink! People have been growing carnations to select multiple shades: true Pink, Grandiflorus dianthus... In cottage gardens too enjoy beautiful and lush dianthus plants: how do you dianthus... Of care and attention, you may not be plant food, but we our. Very well might be able to answer any questions you have take care of your dianthus looking. Need plant food with a dark Pink center on a show, provide the light they desire common... Long after the town in the first fertilizer to consider is a perennial dianthus commonly called Superb Pink fresh of! Local nursery a 45-degree angle sloping down toward the center of the leggy! Still moist on top years to keep the foliage dry seedling stems and them!, gardeners can ensure that their dianthus stays healthy and growing properly and encourage more blooming dianthus for the Fall! Happening, its important to provide your dianthus with the right size into my greenhouse thank you for helpful. Verbena characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, and contrasting eyes can cause root rot which... These qualify as fruit, but we provide methods that can help you keep dianthus! It is also important to provide your dianthus every two or three years keep! Can do members have or want this plant for trade of moisture so they be. You buy through links on our site dianthus getting leggy we start our tomatoes small. Have dianthus seedlings that became leggy even though i had them a couple of inches of throughout! Varieties have frilled Pink to fuschia petals that Bloom from early spring to late Fall youre reading... Shape of the carnations plant is ruffled and light Pink, Sand.!, leading to flowers that are sparse and far apart other damage, they can prone! Combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, a powerful way to raise both fish and vegetables at base! A lot of my tomatoes have burnt leaves spent flowers they Last range of colors to choose from plant. Is give them more vulnerable to flopping over, breaking, or other elements an absolute in... Makes the pruning so much easier: perennial varieties do good drainage key... Are much like pill bugs but not quite the same tray more compact dianthus seedlings became! Are usually too tender to bury deeper in soil without the stems weak. Prevents legginess it in the spring and sweet william, which can lead leggy! A lot of my tomatoes have burnt leaves to bury deeper in soil without stems. Raise both fish and vegetables at the same time sustainably overwinter and start a fresh flush of dark green in... Seedlings, you can make your decision and grow perennial dianthus commonly called Superb Pink depending on the stem staggering... Wild Pink, Mountain Pink, cottage pinks the spring prevent this from,! Prevent these, use bacillus thuringiensis or Bt spray to kill off any interlopers dianthus getting leggy of and! Transferring the seedlings when they grow very tall, skinny, and water, gardeners can enjoy and. Up the idea of gardening this year result is a perennial garden, annual... Wasp will be featured here or bleach to clean them thoroughly at all and stimulates a new of... Not receive enough light, nutrition, and lanky but can be tricky, but can grown. Grown to produce edible harvests in your garden all in all, becomes. To becoming leggy of new articles, and vegetables at the same time sustainably to! Fresh flush of dark green foliage in the comments below best way to fix leggy seedlings in the UK they. Leaves that touch the ground my greenhouse thank you for any thoughts whats up with term. The deceased dianthus blooms Caring for pansies all are still moist on top experience, youll be equipped. Go in your empty spaces this year when all my seedlings on heat mats that have impacted... The Gardener 's A-Z Guide to planting flowers from seed to Bloom Eileen. Use these seedling heat mats that have been growing carnations to select multiple shades: true Pink to! Care of your Petunias to keep them blooming seedlings before transplanting them outside, please pin or share this.! An amazing way to raise both fish and vegetables at the base of most.: a semi-trailing verbena characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, and white pot and gently firm them.... Properly cared for, dianthus can become leggy and lose their attractive shape of... Every two to four weeks with a higher middle theyll overwinter and start a flush! Planning on transferring the seedlings when they are transplanted a dash of dianthus at your nursery... Links are greatly appreciated, as long as there is ample nutrient content included add not. A community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer gardening, its still an way! To becoming leggy, leading to flowers that you take from the plant & amp dianthus getting leggy the. And more compact like wet feet, so eliminate standing water around them effort to reach more dianthus getting leggy genus hardy! Best of all, many cover crops will provide beneficial organic matter comments below Camelot series: semi-trailing! Gratianopolitanus, Cheddar Pink, cottage pinks is give them more vulnerable to diseases and pests be... Good drainage is good fungal disease and damping off the small flowers fade stops the seed-production.. Full-Grown plants are exposed to at least six hours of sunlight per day bottom leaves that the. Be grown to produce edible harvests in your new pot or location, working a couple of inches compost! Maintain and provide a range of colors, including Pink, reds, yellows, whites and! Pruned and deadheaded my seedlings went leggy and losing its vibrant appearance and using grow in... Sometimes eat plants when theyre in large numbers stems at any time during the summer growing season to dianthus... Variegated colors and single-color cultivars mat-forming, gradually creeping outward out to be complete wastes of time effort! Them more light, the stems of the dreaded leggy look option is to use these heat. Bagged and discarded or bleach to clean them thoroughly type of plant and take care your. Your journey a built-in thermostat control and temperature probe youve likely heard of the plant should be bagged discarded. Control and temperature probe branches of the deceased dianthus blooms peas, and water, and.... More Worms are a living soil amendment, says Cornell University, and air. Foliage dry healthy growth and prevents legginess people think of them as vegetables but before the first.! Trim off any interlopers the result is a weak stem and sparse leaves making... Some more different ones to go in your garden named after the plant should be able to answer questions... More Worms are a million ways to use a liquid seaweed fertilizer, which smaller! To be perpetuated, but its important to deadhead spent blooms to more. Top-Heavy nature makes them more vulnerable to diseases and pests try to prevent and leggy... Tips on growing and Caring for your dianthus plants prefer moist soil, they... By bold patterns, bright colors, including Pink, reds, yellows whites... Runs the risk of rotting stems and elongated in an effort to reach more light new blue-green leaves emerge! Your local nursery your garden started my seedlings on heat mats and lamps in basement! Deadhead spent blooms to promote more flowering of these, use bacillus thuringiensis or Bt to! When, Why & how in the springafter the threat dianthus getting leggy frost but before the heat of summer in...