Black Adder Dianthus Seeds

25 Seeds

Dianthus ‘Black Adder’ (a border/pink-type dianthus, commonly called pinks or carnations) is a compact, herbaceous perennial (often grown as a short‑lived perennial or biennial) prized for richly colored, velvety dark blooms and fragrant, narrow foliage. Like most dianthus, it traces its origins to temperate Eurasia and is a classic choice for rock gardens, edging, and mixed borders.

Plant ‘Black Adder’ in full sun for the best flower display and fragrance; it tolerates light afternoon shade but becomes leggy in deep shade. It prefers well‑drained, gritty to loamy soil with low to moderate fertility and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH—excellent drainage is essential to prevent crown rot. Work compost into poor soils sparingly and avoid heavy feeding that encourages floppy growth.

Seeds germinate best with light, so surface‑sow or press seeds lightly into a fine, moist seed mix rather than burying them. Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost for earlier blooms or direct‑sow after the last frost when soil is warming; germination typically occurs in 7–21 days. Cold stratification isn’t required. Thin or transplant seedlings to maintain airflow and reduce disease.

‘Black Adder’ generally stays low and neat, about 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall with an 8–12 inch (20–30 cm) spread—space plants about 8–12 inches apart. Hardy in roughly USDA zones 3–9 depending on microclimate, it makes an excellent short‑stemmed cut flower, and the blooms press and dry well for crafts. It also attracts bees and other pollinators, making it a useful and decorative addition to sunny borders and containers.