Dianthus (Pinks) Planting Guide
Old-fashioned flowering annual or perennial with clove-scented, fringed blooms
Best Time and Place to Plant Dianthus
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Dianthus (Pinks) in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 55F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; drought tolerant; avoid waterlogging
- Days to harvest: 55
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Monthly light feeding during bloom
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil before planting
Companion Plants
- Snapdragon
- Salvia
- Dusty Miller
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Harvest Signs
- Flowers are fully open and fragrant
- Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering
- Cut back by half after first flush for second bloom
- Edible petals can be used as garnish (remove white base)
FAQs
When should I plant Dianthus?
Dianthus planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Dianthus?
The best time of year to plant Dianthus is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 55F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Dianthus?
Plant Dianthus (Pinks) in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Dianthus?
Plant Dianthus about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Dianthus?
Dianthus is commonly paired with Snapdragon, Salvia, Dusty Miller.