Unwins Dianthus Pink Spring Beauty Seeds

Sow on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and keep at 18-20°C. After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination takes 2-4 weeks. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 8cm pots and grow Dianthus plants on in cooler conditions.

Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost. Plant 30cm apart in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Alternatively, plant in containers on a sunny patio.

Deadhead faded blooms to keep plants blooming for longer.

Dianthus like a sunny location where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day and need well-drained soil. Adequate air circulation is also important. Lightly use slow-release fertiliser once the plants start to develop.