Dianthus collection

Sow seed of the species in conditions that reflect their cultivation. In most cases this will include a very free draining compost. I use a mixture of equal parts of Grit sand, Perlite or Vermiculite, 1/8" grit and John Innes No.1 compost (with as little peat as possible). This nearly sterile compost will allow the small plants to grow in character after germination.

Sow the seed either as soon as it is ripe or in January. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, plant into compost similar to the above but with extra John Innes. Finally top dress around the collar with potting grit. Some species do not like the neck to be below soil level and will rot very quickly.

	Dianthus Collection Propagation from seed
Seed of many of the species is readily available from specialist suppliers and societies such as the Alpine Garden Society, the Scottish Rock Garden Society and the North American Rock Garden Society. Seed of hybrids and cultivars is also available but produces a wide range of plants	Sow seed of the species in conditions that reflect their cultivation. In most cases this will include a very free draining compost. I use a mixture of equal parts of Grit sand, Perlite or Vermiculite, 1/8" grit and John Innes No.1 compost (with as little peat as possible). This nearly sterile compost will allow the small plants to grow in character after germination. Sow the seed either as soon as it is ripe or in January. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, plant into compost similar to the above but with extra John Innes. Finally top dress around the collar with potting grit. Some species do not like the neck to be below soil level and will rot very quickly.	When growing from seed keep a look out for variation in leaf form and colour. The genus seems to specialise in both interbreeding and variation. Although this has produced many wonderful garden plants it can make identification of some species very hard. Most reference books describe a plant from one or two collections or from dried specimens. A dianthus species seems to have a 'focus' description but collections can be made from a range of extremes.

		Rick Lambert