How to Grow Excalibur Picotee
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Excalibur Picotee
Dianthus chinensis 'Excalibur Picotee'
flowerExcalibur Picotee is a striking annual dianthus featuring deep crimson-red flowers with white-edged petals, creating a dramatic bicolor effect. This compact, mounding variety produces abundant blooms throughout the growing season and is prized for garden borders, containers, and cut flowers. The flowers emit a pleasant spicy fragrance and attract pollinators while maintaining tidy plant growth.
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Example Excalibur Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Excalibur Picotee
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Excalibur Picotee blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Excalibur Picotee dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; can be grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with fine linear cotyledons emerge within 7-10 days. Very delicate and small initially.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright light (grow lights helpful). Keep at 70-75°F.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlants develop several true leaves and begin branching. Foliage is fine-textured and blue-green in color.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Gradually harden off before planting outdoors. Pinch tips early to encourage bushiness.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips; plants become fuller and more compact with developing branching structure.
Ensure adequate sun exposure. Water consistently. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Deadhead spent flowers.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (throughout growing season)Abundant crimson-red flowers with white picotee edges bloom prolifically. Plant maintains compact mounding form.
Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water at base of plant. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Watch for pests.
Decline
2-4 weeks depending on climateAs temperatures rise or approach frost (depending on zone), flowering may slow and plant vigor diminishes.
Continue deadheading. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. In cool climates, plant can persist; otherwise treat as end of season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Avoid overhead watering to reduce stress.
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Spray with strong water stream, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce ladybugs. Check undersides of leaves regularly.
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Reduce soil moisture, improve drainage, use sticky traps. Avoid overwatering seedlings.
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Ensure good air circulation, avoid wetting foliage. Remove infected leaves. Apply fungicide if needed.
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Use well-draining soil, avoid waterlogging, provide air circulation. Remove affected plants.
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryDianthus petals are edible with a spicy, clove-like flavor and can garnish salads, desserts, and cocktails. Use pesticide-free flowers only. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftExcalibur Picotee produces excellent long-lasting cut flowers with striking bicolor blooms perfect for fresh arrangements, wedding bouquets, and floral designs. [source]
Garden borders and containers
HouseholdThe compact, mounding growth habit and abundant blooms make this variety ideal for garden borders, hanging baskets, window boxes, and container combinations. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeDianthus flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with their sweet spicy fragrance and abundant nectar. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalDianthus has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its potential diuretic and antibacterial properties, though modern evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when fully open for best vase life (7-10 days). Cut stems at 45-degree angle and place immediately in cool water. Remove lower leaves below water line. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Dianthus' comes from Greek words meaning 'divine flower,' and these flowers have been cultivated for over 2,000 years dating back to ancient Greece and Rome.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'picotee' marking (colored edge on petals) is a dominant trait that breeders have developed across many flower species, named after lace-trimmed edges on period clothing.
- 🌱 Dianthus flowers possess a unique spicy-clove scent due to compounds like linalool and eugenol, making them valued not just for appearance but for their distinctive fragrance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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