Dianthus plumarius, better known as cottage pinks, are native to Austria, Croatia and Slovenia. Other areas where they’ve been naturalized and grow wild are Italy, Germany, the UK and the US. This distinct variety of dianthus is also commonly called garden pink, pinks, grass pink, feathered pink, wild pink or Scotch pink. 

Green stems grow between 30-60 cm long and they will bloom the first year if seeds are started indoors about eight weeks before the last frost. The eye-catching flowers are symmetrical with serrated petals that appear in many shades of pink. The evergreen perennial typically flowers any time between May and August. Cottage pinks do well as a cut flower and are undeniably one of the prettiest and sweetest smelling edible flowers!

Plant these practical pretty pinks anywhere in the landscape as a groundcover or an attractive shrubby flowering border along paths, walls or slopes. A sweet and earthy taste comparable to clove or nutmeg is the perfect complement to savoury salads or sensual desserts. Repels garden intruders like deer while attracting beautiful birds and butterflies.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

The short-lived perennial is often grown in cottage gardens, perennial beds and containers. Dianthus showcases bushy foliage and brightly coloured flowers of many shades. 

Seeds can easily be started indoors or outdoors. Sow directly outside in late spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed. The first year of outdoor growth doesn’t typically produce flowers. However, seeds started indoors may flower in their first growing season. 

Six to eight weeks before the last frost, seeds can be started in flats or separate containers. Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil and mist well. Put them in a bright location, under lights or by a sunny window, and keep them moist. Dianthus prefers cooler weather when germinating. Maintain an ambient temperature of 10-13 degrees. When they start to sprout, thin them out to provide space and good air flow. Seedlings can then be hardened off and transplanted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. 

Dianthus will do best in full sun, although in hot regions, afternoon shade will help extend the blooming window. Plant Dianthus in rich, well-drained, loamy soil. Keep the soil moist with regular watering, but don’t allow it to become waterlogged. Dianthus is tolerant to many climates, except extreme heat. It will withstand light frosts, but will be killed by hard freezes. To promote blooming and vigorous growth, fertilize Dianthus once every couple of months. 

Space Dianthus about 20 cm apart to make room for the dense foliage that is produced during the first season. The flowers will self-seed at the end of the growing season, providing gardeners with a fresh bunch of volunteers every spring. The plants themselves usually die off after a couple of years, so take advantage of its tendency to produce plenty of seeds to replenish your supply of fresh flowers. 

QUICK FACTS

- Dianthus seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.