Dianthus Valentine Dianthus chinensis -Valentine dianthus features a unique red flower with a white picotee border that can be finished as a terrific Valentine’s Day or Christmas novelty pack or small pot item. -Valentine dianthus grow 8 to 10 in. (20 to 25 cm) tall, making these sun-lovers great bedding plants. -Valentine is available as seed and plugs.

Germination
No supplemental lighting is required. Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with good aeration and water-holding capacity. Cover seed with vermiculite at sowing. Water well, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It takes about 3 days to germinate.

Plug Production
Plug Tray Size
Best produced in 406-cell plug trays.

Sowing
Use a well-drained, disease-free soilless medium with good aeration and water-holding capacity. Cover seed with vermiculite at sowing. Water well, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It takes about 3 days to germinate.

Temperature
Germination: 64 to 68°F (18 to 20°C)
Cotyledon emergence: 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) days; 60°F (15°C) nights
True leaf expansion: 60°F (15°C) days; 55°F (13°C) nights

Light
No supplemental lighting is required.

Fertilization
Stage 3: Alternate 20-10-20 and 14-0-14 at 50 ppm each week. Maintain EC at 0.75 to 1.0 mmhos/cm, and pH at 5.8 to 6.2.

Stage 4: Same as Stage 3, but increase to 100 ppm.

Growth Regulators
PGRs are not generally needed, although Corona Cherry Magic and Valentine dianthus are responsive to Bonzi and B-Nine. An application of Bonzi spray at 6 ppm in early Stage 3 will tone the plugs.

Growing On to Finish
Container Size
Valentine dianthus is suitable for production in any pack configuration up to a 4-in. (10-cm) pot. Can be grown pot tight.

Temperature
Provide 60 to 72°F (15 to 22°C) days and 50 to 60°F (11 to 15°C) nights.

Fertilization
After plants are established, apply a calcium-based fertilizer or 15-5-15 at 150 ppm, 1 to 2 times per week.

Growth Regulators
Valentine dianthus is very responsive to growth regulators, like other dianthus. For example, an application of Bonzi spray at 20 ppm can be applied 2 weeks after transplanting and another application of Bonzi spray at 20 ppm may be required 10 to 14 days later. A tank mix of B-Nine at 5,000 ppm and Cycocel at 1,000 ppm spray can also be substituted for the Bonzi spray above for a gentler effect.

Cultural Tip
Use a powdery mildew preventative program. Pyrrole and Piperalin can cause phytotoxicity.