Steve
These guys like full sun and the Bouquet series should be taller than you say. May I ask what date you transplanted them.?
Cheers - Kim - BFFF

Hi Kim,

I started the seeds indoors on March 9th and then transplanted them outdoors on April 19th. Looking back at those dates I'm thinking that I should have started them earlier and transplanted at about the same time or maybe a little earlier. Your zone is similar to mine (a little warmer), what are your typical seed starting and transplant dates?

- Steve

I have another question on Dianthus while we're on the topic. The 'Bouquet Rose' Dianthus I'm growing now is a special variety that doesn't require any vernalization, but I'm thinking of trying some other varieties next season that do require some chill time. When would be the time to plant these? In September perhaps or should I direct sow them earlier?

In zone 5 last year I started dianthus early summer and transplanted outside early fall. They did very well but are just about done flowering here. I do have some in an area of afternoon sun. They did ok there, but are leaning a little bit.

Steve
According to my records I have transplanted the Bouquet or Amazon Neon series out anywhere from late Dec to mid Feb. They have taken temps in the mid 20's and normally start blooming mid April for me with at least 18" stems. The Bouquet series if left for a 2nd year of flowering is even better. This year's plantings are still churning out flowers.

For those requiring chilling or that are a biennial, plant out in your fall, early Sept sounds good, let them get established prior to onset of winter, protect as required. I'd try plugs rather than direct seeding, but that's me.
Cheers - Kim - BFFF

Thanks Kim, that's helpful information. I think I need to give them an earlier start than I did this year. I will also try to overwinter my Bouquet Rose plants and hopefully they will be taller next year. It does look like I'm going to have some longer side shoots to use, perhaps my partial shading is helping them stretch a bit.

I just wanted to report that my Dianthus Bouquet Rose now has side shoots that are around 18 inches. This is a much more usable length than 12 inches. I don't know if the shade is helping them stretch or if they just needed a little more growth time. Here is a picture:

{{gwi:624851}}

They are a nice strong color similar to Lychnis coronaria but not quite as intense.