Harvesting History

Dianthus Single – Pinks 
A Little History and Some Growing Instructions

Dianthus Single or Pinks, a member of the Dianthus family, specifically Dianthus Plumarius, was introduced into England from Normandy around the year 1100. It was the Athenians that named the flower Dianthos, from the Greek words dios (devine) and anthos (flower). The flowers are smaller than those of the carnation and the petals are more toothed and are borne on shorter stems. Sometimes they are known as Lacey Pinks because of the “toothing” on their petals.
Joseph Breck in his 1851 book, The Flower Garden, wrote, “…is an old inhabitant of the flower-garden and was much esteemed in Gerrarde’s (Renown garden writer and gardener of his time – 1545-1612; his book remains the outstanding horticultural treatise of the 16th century) time, ‘for its beauty to deck up the bosoms of the beautiful, and garlands and crowns for pleasure.’ It is an imperfect perennial, but fine varieties are easily perpetuated by dividing the roots soon after flowering…”
Pinks started from seed are best started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil and keep the soil slightly moist throughout germination and indoor growth. The seeds will germinate in less than 2 weeks. The plants require full sun except in the deep South where they do best in partial shade. They like rich, sandy loam soil. Plants should be about 12 inches apart. Flowering begins in early summer.