Dianthus are a genus of evergreen or semi-evergreen, mainly summer flowering group of annuals, biennials, and perennials, grown for their often delightfully scented flowers.

Carnations and Pinks have narrow lanceolate, silvery or grey-green leaves scattered along flower stems, with leaves that may coil outwards on Carnations.

Carnations and Pinks are divided into the following groups: - Please move your cursor over the images to see further information

Border Carnations

Perpetual Flowering Carnations

Hardy Annual

Height: 24 inches

Position: Full Sun

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: This exclusive blend has been specially selected to flower in the first year from seed, a completely new and exciting concept for Sweet Williams. A fantastic mixture of lightly fragrant blooms to brighten up bedding and cottage gardens.

Sowing Instructions: Sow February to April. Germinate at 64-68^oF (18-20^oC) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Do not cover the seed. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 3in (7.5cm) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 12in (30cm) apart.

Aftercare Instructions: Prefers a rich, well drained soil in full sun.

Hardy Biennial

Flowers: Spring

Height: 18 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Irresistible, sparkling, gay colours for the garden with a sweet, carnation-like fragrance. Everybody can grow them to perfection. They are excellent for cutting and last for a long time in water. Flowers late spring/early summer. Height 18in (46cm).

Sowing Instructions: Sow in late spring/early summer outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow the seeds very thinly ¼in (6mm) in drills 12in (30cm) apart, keep the soil damp until germination takes place and thin out the seedlings to 6in (15cm) when large enough to handle.

Growing Instructions: Transplant 12in (30cm) apart into flowering site in the autumn for flowering the following year.

Aftercare Instructions: They will grow in most soils and grow equally well in full sun or part shade.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

Flowers: Summer

Height: 24 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 4 5 6 7 8

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: An old fashioned garden carnation with a unique and exquisite perfume. Flowers were used in the 17th century to add nutmeg-clove flavouring to red wine. The semi-double flowers of crimson-maroon are produced on neat and tidy plants, ideal for borders, containers and making a wonderful cut flower.

The spicey clove flavoured flowers add a zest to salads and can be candied, made into jam or sweet-sour pickle!. Write to us for a free leaflet with recipes for a wide range of edible flowers.

Sowing Instructions: Sow from February-late June in a good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed with compost or Sow-Lite (vermiculite). Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days at 65-70^oF (18-21^oC).

Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle into 3in (7.5cm) pots. Later plant out 12in (30cm) apart into well drained soil preferably containing lime, in a sunny spot.

Aftercare Instructions: From an early sowing they will often flower the first year in autumn.

Hardy Perennial

Flowers: Summer

Height: 20 inches

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Bushy plants with medium sized blooms in a rich dark purple colour, looking almost black. Scented on strong stems, making it ideal for bedding or as a cut flower.

Sowing Instructions: Sow from February-late June in a good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed with compost or Sow-Lite (vermiculite). Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 14-21 days at 18-21^oC (65-70^oF).

Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle into 3in (7.5cm) pots. Later plant out 12in (30cm) apart into well drained soil preferably containing lime, in a sunny spot.

Aftercare Instructions: From an early sowing they will often flower the first year in autumn.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

Flowers: Summer

Height: 36 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 7 8 9 10

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Amongst the most fashionable colours of the day, is the apricot pastel colouring. Here in Peach Delight, it is produced for the first time in the Carnation, therefore combining a very popular colour with a very popular flower. Easy to raise and fully winter hardy, producing straight, sturdy stems which normally need no support. Flowers mid summer. Height 2-3ft (60cm-1m).

Sowing Instructions: Sow from late winter to early summer in John Innes Seed Compost, just covering the seed with compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days at 60^oF (15^oC).

Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 15-18in (38-45cm) apart.

Aftercare Instructions: Prefers a sunny spot on light well drained soil.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

Flowers: Summer

Height: 18 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 7 8 9 10

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A bright mixture primarily pink and cream based but also with 25% yellow or orange ground colour specifically added. All delightfully striped and picoteed.

Sowing Instructions: Sow from late winter to early summer in a good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed with compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days at 70^oF (21^oC).

Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle in 3in (8cm) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 12in (30cm) apart in a sunny spot on light well drained soil.

Hardy Perennial Trailer

Flowers: Summer

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 7 8 9 10

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Travelling in the Alpine regions of Europe one is struck by the magnificent and visual impact of their window boxes, hanging baskets, pots, tubs etc. And then we realised that they make liberal use of pendulous carnations adding an extra slant in perspective and design. The colour range is mainly pink and red shades.

Sowing Instructions: Sow spring to autumn in good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days at 60-70^oF (16-21^oC).

Growing Instructions: When seedlings are large enough to handle transplant into 3in (8cm) pots. grow cool and finally plant out 9in (23cm) apart into a sunny spot in free draining soil, or plant at an angle in hanging baskets or window-boxes where they will spread outwards and downwards.

Aftercare Instructions: Overwinter autumn sown plants in a well ventilated cold frame and plant out in spring.

Hardy Annual

Flowers: Summer

Height: 15 inches

Position: Full Sun

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Showy plants for bedding, border, rockery and containers producing an abundance of quite unique, showy black and white flowers throughout summer. The dainty, fully double blooms are heavily laced, over an inch in diameter and sweetly scented. They make excellent cut flowers lasting a long time in water. Flowers summer. Height 12-15in (30-38cm).

Sowing Instructions: Sow early spring at 70^oF (21^oC) in a good free draining seed compost, just covering the seed. Germination usually takes 7-21 days.

Growing Instructions: When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cool conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 12in (30cm) apart in a sunny spot on light well drained soil. For pot plants, transplant seedlings into 3in (7.5cm) pots, grow cool, well ventilated and give plenty of light, but shade from direct sun.

Hardy Annual

Flowers: Summer

Height: 15 inches

Position: Full Sun

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Fragrant bicoloured and tri-coloured blooms elegantly white-edged and heavily laced, make this a wonderful subject for a sunny border. The plants need no support and are marvellous for cutting. Flowers summer. Height 12-15in (30-38cm).

Sowing Instructions: Sow early spring at 70^oF (21^oC) in a good free draining seed compost just covering the seed. Germination usually takes 7-21 days.

Growing Instructions: When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow on in cool conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 9in (23cm) apart in a sunny spot on light well drained soil. For pot plants, transplant the seedlings into 3in (7.5cm) pots, grow cool, well ventilated and give plenty of light, but shade from direct sun.

Hardy Annual

Height: 15 inches

Position: Full Sun

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A sumptuous blend of 2 inch (5cm) blooms in many rich Victorian shades of red, rose and pink, all with a delicious fragrance. Bushy, neat, free flowering plants, ideal for adding a touch of yesteryear to summer borders and containers.

Sowing Instructions: Sow February to April at 64-68^oF (18-20^oC) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 7-14 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 3 inch (7.5cm) pots. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 12 inches (30cm) apart.

Aftercare Instructions: Prefers any well drained soil in full sun. Flowers summer.

Hardy Annual

Flowers: Summer

Height: 12 inches

Position: Full Sun

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A spectacular blend of reds, rich pinks and clear whites form this magical mix of brilliant carpet Dianthus. Basal branching plants are covered in 2in (5cm), sweetly scented blooms. Perfect for the rockery as well as beds borders and containers.

Sowing Instructions: Sow February to May or September to October. Sow outdoors where they are to flower. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing. Sow ¼in (6mm) deep, in rows 12in (30cm) apart.

Alternatively, sow in late summer in 3in (7.5cm) pots in a cool greenhouse and then overwinter plants in cool, well lit conditions. Plant out the following spring after all risk of frost, 12in (30cm) apart in full sun.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 6in (15cm) apart.

Aftercare Instructions: Prefers any well drained soil in full sun.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

Flowers: Early Summer

Height: 30 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Ipswich Pinks were made famous by Joseph Sangster, the breeder and proprietor of T&M from 1913-52. They create a solid mass of colour in pinks, reds, bicolours and white, above blue foliage that is close and tightly knit. Ground smothering weed suppressors, they remain evergreen (blue). Floriferous and fragrant, they are welcome cut flowers and a necessity for the cottage garden, border or rock garden, being also suitable for edging or walls. A hardy perennial, they grow to a height of 9in (23cm) and can spread 24-30in (60-70cm). Flowering extends from late spring till the end of summer.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in good free draining seed sowing compost from February to late June just covering the seed with compost. Germination takes 7-14 days at 65-70^oF (18-20^oC), after which the temperature should be dropped to 55-60^oF (13-18^oC).

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to boxes or 3in (7.5cm) pots, grow well ventilated and well lit. When well rooted in their pots, gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out 12in (30cm) apart in full sun and well-drained soil.

Aftercare Instructions: Ideal for beds, borders rockeries, walls, containers etc. They prefer limey or neutral soils and with an acid soil a dusting of lime should be added to the soil at planting time. After flowering has finished, remove the old flower stems, water the soil well and apply a high potash fertiliser.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

Flowers: All Summer

Height: 15 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Greatly improved form of 'Spring Beauty' flowering 16-18 weeks from sowing. Very fragrant and very double.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 65-70^oF (18-20^oC). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost. Sowing Time: February to July. Germination usually takes 14-30 days.

Growing Instructions: Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 3in (7.5cm) pots. Acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions before planting out 12in (30cm) apart in full sun.

Aftercare Instructions: Prefers a rich, light, well drained soil.

Hardy Perennial

Flowers: Summer

Height: 20 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 3 4 5 6 7 8

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: Deliciously fragrant! Rich . crimson, deeply-cut, large fringed petals, filling the air with their sweet perfume. A first year flowering perennial, which Is very hardy, neat and compact, with outstanding garden performance. Ideal in borders, containers or as a cut flower.

Sowing Instructions: Sowing Time: February to March. Sow in pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 68-77^oF (20-25^oC). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 14-30 days.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 3in (7.5cm) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 9-12in (23-30cm) apart. For best results, provide a light, well-drained soil in full sun.

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

Flowers: Spring to Summer

Height: 15 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Germination: Easy

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A greatly improved form of this old favourite strain of garden pinks which when in bloom give off a distinctive haze effect produced by the heavily fringed petals. Easy to raise, sweet scented and in shades of carmine, pink, lilac and white. They make excellent cut flowers or can be used to edge beds, borders etc. or fill containers with lively colour. Flowers spring/summer. Height 12in (30cm).

Sowing Instructions: Sow from late winter to early summer 1/8in (3mm) deep in a good free draining seed compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination, which usually takes 14-21 days at 65-70^oF (18-21^oC).

Growing Instructions: Transplant when large enough to handle into 3in (7.5cm) pots. Later plant out 12in (30cm) apart into well drained soil preferably containing lime, in a sunny spot.

Aftercare Instructions: They may produce a few flower buds in late autumn/winter, these will flower early but won't be so attractive and should be removed.

Flowers: Summer Height: 24 inches

Cultivation: -

With the exception of Dianthus. pavonius, which prefers acid soil, all Dianthus enjoy a soil that is slightly alkaline, and free-draining

Propagation: -

Sow seed of species forms at any time

Layer Border Carnations during the Summer

Take softwood cuttings from early to mid-Summer.