JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Balcony Gardening Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Dianthus buds drying

Posted by shalu_nj 6 (My Page) on
Tue, May 10, 05 at 18:02

Hi all,
I have 6 dianthus plants in a 9 inch pot. I got it about a month back. They were very good and had a couple of flowers. But now all the buds are drying up. Please help. Is it too crowded ? Should I put 3 plants in each pot ?
I added osmocote when i planted. Does it need any other fertilizer

Thanks in advance,
Shalini


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Dianthus buds drying

I had the same problems last year with my dianthus. They waxed and waned throughout the season. Last summer was my first gardening experience (3 10" pots on my balcony rails). I planted strawberry cream dianthus w/ begonias and vinca. Plucking the dried/dead buds off seemed to help. The flowers don't last long; I plucked the dead ones off, too (and the dried ovaries containing the seeds). Sometimes the plants looked practically dead, then suddenly came back with more color and flower. They took turns doing this (i.e., not all dying out at once). I'm not planting them this year.


 o
RE: Dianthus buds drying

As far as I know, dianthus are more seasonal plants - generally spring - early summer (and perhaps fall) and they prefer cool weather. I expect that perhaps dead-heading and some pruning might allow them to do some rebloom but I wouldn't count on them as a summer-long type plant. The carnation or sweet william side of that family might do better over the long term, although they still prefer it cooler too I expect.


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network