Also known as Pinks · 3.3k saves
Dianthus
Dianthus, the genus most gardeners know as pinks. We track 76 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Dianthus varieties
See all 76 Dianthus varieties →Search this genus →
10 species of Dianthus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Dianthus in Sow
Save the Dianthus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Dianthus
Whats common across all Dianthus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Dianthus year
- DeadheadMay–August98% of varieties
Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
- DivideMarch and September73% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor, as they can be short-lived.
- FertilizeMarch63% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
- Spring CleanupFebruary55% of varieties
Remove old or winter-damaged foliage before new growth starts.
- PruneJune and July50% of varieties
Cut back flower stalks to the foliage mound after the main flush.
- MulchMarch and April33% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of mulch, keeping it away from the crown
- PlantMarch, April, September and October30% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil in spring after frost or early fall
Do
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
- Water at the base to avoid fungal diseases 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Dianthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Fungal leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Fungal Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure proper drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Dianthus
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, 2 weeks before last frost.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination in 10-14 days.
Cuttings
- Select healthy non-flowering stems in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix.
- Maintain humidity and wait 4-6 weeks for roots.
Dianthus questions
How many types of Dianthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 76 distinct Dianthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.3k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Dianthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Dianthus covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Dianthus bloom?
Most Dianthus varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Dianthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.