On 10/5/05 22:52, in article , "Simon
Tomlinson" wrote:

I am an enthusiastic amateur, filling lots of pots and some borders with
easy plants each year. Last year I planted Dianthus for the first time. I
love the flowers and was looking forward to them coming back each year. Of
the 6 plants I put in the front garden, none have come back this year, not a
trace.

What did I do wrong? The soil is quite sandy and poor, but I dig left over
compost in regularly and this has helped other bedding.

Kate, when my husband moved to Devon from Essex, he grew Dianthus
commercially for some time and sent them off to flower markets. So I've
asked him for his answer to your question.
Ray says: Miss PT is quite correct that they like lime but they need to be
well drained, too. What they do hate is being very wet. He asks where you
live and when you planted them? And he suggests that if you planted them
late in the year, that could be another reason for their failure. Plant
them in the spring so that they get really well-established before winter
arrives again.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the weeds to email me)