Where to buy Green Ball Dianthus seeds?
You can buy Green Ball Dianthus seeds from various online seed retailers such as Amazon, Etsy, Burpee, and Park Seed. Additionally, local garden centers and nurseries may carry these seeds during the planting season.
How to dry Green Ball Dianthus?
To dry Green Ball Dianthus, follow these steps:
- Harvest: Cut the flowers when they are fully open and healthy.
- Prepare: Remove any excess foliage from the stems.
- Hang: Bundle a few stems together and tie them with a rubber band or string.
- Dry: Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. This process usually takes 2-3 weeks.
- Store: Once fully dried, store the dried flowers in an airtight container to preserve their color and shape.
How to grow Green Ball Dianthus?
To grow Green Ball Dianthus, follow these steps:
- Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed-starting mix and lightly press them into the soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination: Maintain a temperature of 65-70°F (18-21°C) and provide plenty of light. Seeds should germinate in 7-14 days.
- Transplanting: Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors into well-draining soil in a sunny location. Space plants about 12 inches apart.
- Care: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
How to propagate Green Ball Dianthus?
Green Ball Dianthus can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division:
- Seeds: Sow seeds as described above.
- Cuttings: Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering shoots in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist until roots develop.
- Division: Divide established plants in early spring or early fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, each with roots attached. Replant the divisions in prepared soil.
Can Green Ball Dianthus be grown in zone 5?
Yes, Green Ball Dianthus can be grown in USDA hardiness zone 5. While it is a perennial in zones 6-9, it can be grown as an annual in zone 5. Ensure it is planted in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and provide winter protection, such as mulching, to help it survive colder temperatures.
