A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 Dianthus Not Blooming

Hi, hope some of you pros out there can help.

I have a dianthus plant that I bought several years ago in a pot with blooms. I planted it outside and for the past 2 years, the plant gives me a lovely mound of leaves but has not bloomed. The plant looks healthy not brown or gangly. Any thoughts?

Fertilizer.
its in sun isn't it?mine in shade barely blooms

I agree. Miracle-Gro has a great product called Bloom Booster. It has helped me out in similar situations

I will give bloom booster a shot. I had placed osmocote around some of the plants a few weeks ago. Thanks for the suggestion.

Hi living,

I'm in zone 7a and I just saw my first bud on my dianthus. I just thought I would drop a note. Have yours started doing anything yet?

i have about 12 dianthus and only 2 of them seem to be ready to flower. although, since i moved and the plants recieve more sun than they were previously i have noticed more growth. so maybe they aren't getting enough sun

It's interesting how different areas cause plants to react differently. My dianthus are in full shade and bloom in the fall and in the spring. They die back when it gets warm.

Dianthus thrive in full sun and well drained soil. They prefer soil that is alkaline to neutral, but can tolerate slightly acidic soil, to 6.5.

Basically, throwing a little lime around them, or wood ashes once a year, will keep the PH "in line". A spring feeding with a fertilizer high in phosphorous will help.

I have Dianthus in my garden. The major problems i have had with them are the slugs, and the intense heat and humidity during the summer months in SC.

I use dianthus like a ground cover in the middle of my driveway that is mostly shade. They do well for 2 years then I have to replant. I put them out to start with in the fall just like I do my bulbs. They bloom until it freezes then die back. They come out again when it gets warm.
Let us know or even better, get us a picture when it blooms.