Gardening

Garden performance is what really makes Whetman Pinks stand above all others in dianthus. These plants are the most hardy, floriferous and fragrant of their class!

Whetman Pinks can be grown as specimen plants in the garden, en masse in the landscape, or in container gardens around your patio. Wherever you plant, make sure to choose a convenient spot to enjoy the spicy fragrance all season long.

Sun Exposure

Perform best in full sun to light, filtered shade, preferably an afternoon shade.
Minimum of four to six hours of direct sunlight per day is required for proper blooms.
Prevent exposure to drought or other heat related stress conditions associated with full sun exposure.

Ground Preparation

Dig hole 6-8 inches deep and fill with water.
If hole drains within a few hours, you have good drainage.
If water is still standing after 12 hours, improve drainage in your bed, perhaps a raised bed.

Spacing

Whetman Pinks should be planted approximately 2-feet apart.
This will give room for the plants to mature and produce strong stems, good for cutflower bouquets.

Planting

Turn the soil well and dig a hole twice as wide as it is deep.
Mix organic compost or peat moss with soil.
Remove your Whetman Pinks from its container and carefully but firmly loosen the root ball.
Set the plant into the hole you’ve prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is above the soil level.
Pull your soil around the plant and water thoroughly.

Spring & Summer Planting Care

Water your Whetman Pinks well after you first plant them. Keep the soil moist until winter.
Your new Whetman Pinks should not need regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of excessive drought.
Fertilize annually with a well balanced fertilizer, such as Osmocote.

Grow Whetman Pinks year-round.

Media pH

6.2 to 6.5

Fertilizer

100 to 150 ppm N | EC 1.4 to 1.8

Irrigation

Whetman Pinks prefer to be grown on the dry side. Avoid overwatering, which effects plant quality and finishing time.

Water management is the best way to avoid root-bound diseases and maintain overall plant quality.

Temp

After transplanting, keep temperatures at 70ºF (21°C) until roots begin to develop. Continue growing at 65-70°F (18-21°C) Day | 50-55°F (10-13°C) Night.

When plants fully develop, cool mornings can be used to improve plant quality and flower color. Drop the temperature by 10°F (5°C) 2 hours before to 2 hours after sunrise.

Pinching

If your liners arrive unpinched, pinch immediately at transplant.

PGR

Only use plant growth regulators in a spray application, no drenches.

B-Nine at 2,500 PPM or Bonzi at 2-5 PPM have been used effectively.

Light

5,000 to 6,000 foot candles.

Comments

Bright light and cool temperatures are the best ways to improve plant quality.