Dianthus Deltoides SEEDS" Maiden Pinks perennials FLOWERS

Dianthus deltoides — Maiden Pinks — is a mat-forming, evergreen perennial prized for its cheerful cherry-red and pink blooms and its virtually effortless care. Low-growing plants form a spreading mound of dark green foliage studded with fragrant 1-inch flowers from late spring through summer, then on and off all season. A liberal self-sower, Maiden Pinks fills in beautifully as a groundcover or border edging and returns year after year. Hardy to USDA Zone 3. Excellent in tubs, mixed containers, poor soils, and hot, sunny sites. Deer resistant. Approx. 5,000 seeds per 100 sq ft.

Plant Highlights

• Fragrant cherry-red and pink blooms — 1 inch across; blooms late spring through summer and intermittently all season
• Mat-forming, evergreen dark green foliage — excellent groundcover and border edger
• Liberal self-sower; fills in reliably season after season
• Hardy to USDA Zone 3; tolerates poor soils and hot, sunny sites
• Excellent in tubs and mixed containers; deer resistant

Growing Guide

Starting indoors: Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost using sterile starter mix. Surface-sow and barely cover with soil; press seeds in firmly without burying. Transplant seedlings when temperatures have warmed and plants are about 3 inches tall. May take a full year before first flowering from seed.

Direct sowing: Sow outdoors after frost season has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 40°F. Broadcast and lightly rake to no more than ⅛ inch deep. Keep moist until germination.

Ongoing care: Trim back lightly after the first flush of bloom to encourage continued flowering. Tolerates neglect and poor soil; prefers good drainage.

Planting Specs

• Type: Perennial (evergreen)
• USDA Zones: 3–9
• Height: 8 inches | Mat-forming, spreading
• Bloom season: Spring and summer (intermittent through season)
• Bloom color: Bright rose / cherry-red and pink
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, pH 6.0–7.2
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Germ temp: 68°F | Avg. germ time: 14–28 days
• Planting depth: Surface sow; press firmly into soil, do not cover
• Spacing: 12 inches