My Spotty Pink Dianthus are having trouble blooming properly. The buds appear, but they just shrivel up and look like spent blooms before they finish blooming. They get lots of sun (and plenty of water lately!). Anyone have a clue why this is happening? I have deadheaded those that look spent, which is 90% of the blooms, and it is not helping.

Anyone out there this time? "Spotty Pink" is the variety name, if that was unclear.

Typically, dianthus are cool season bloomers - spring and fall. They are probably suffering from heat delay/bud abortion. It's just too hot for them. There are a few Dianthus chinensis hybrids that will bloom successfully through the summer here, like 'First Love' and the 'Bouquet' series. But most will flush in spring and fall. Keep the plants deadheaded for the summer and you should have a nice fall display.

Thank you! Looking forward to fall... They did bloom really well one time since I transplanted them in April, and they were gorgeous. Do these grow together or spread at all? Right now they are just separate clumps.

My Dianthus are just green no flowers during this fall; had blooms when I planted them in late Oct. 07. I guess Ill put some Garrett Juice on them. Any other suggestions?

They have a tendancy to rot so make sure you let them dry out between watering and they are in a well drained bed.

Thanks for replying, yes I do need something in front of the Blackfoot Daisies. Was thinking of adding the Mex grass & alternating w/marigolds. Or if you have any ideas I would appreciate it.

Cathleen

I talked to Howard on the show yesterday. He said to add fish I guess fish emulsion or Garrett juice to fertilize the dianthus, he said his were just like mine green no flowers. He also said to cut off the dead parts of the Blackfoot daisies now.