How to Grow Forever Picotee
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Forever Picotee
Dianthus chinensis 'Forever Picotee'
flowerForever Picotee is a hybrid dianthus cultivar known for its distinctive bicolor flowers with white petals edged in deep magenta or crimson. This compact, mounding annual produces continuous blooms throughout the season with a spicy-sweet fragrance characteristic of dianthus flowers. It is valued for bedding, containers, and cutting gardens.
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Example Forever Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Forever 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 Forever Picotee blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Forever Picotee dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; grows as annual in most climates, can overwinter in zones 9-10
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Get my Forever Picotee timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny rosette of narrow, linear gray-green leaves emerging from soil. Plant is delicate and low to ground.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Maintain temperature of 65-75°F. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksBushy mounding plant with abundant fine, linear blue-green foliage. Plant increases in width and density. Flower buds begin forming at leaf nodes.
Water moderately and allow some drying between waterings. Pinch back tips at 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching. Begin fertilizing with balanced or slightly phosphorus-rich fertilizer.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostAbundant double or semi-double flowers with white petals and deep magenta/crimson picotee edges. Flowers are produced continuously in clusters atop stems.
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering. Maintain moderate watering. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Avoid overhead watering to prevent flower damage.
Peak Production
4-8 weeksPlant is fully grown and covered in numerous flowers. Blooms cover much of the foliage. Plant maintains compact, mounding form.
Continue deadheading and fertilizing. Reduce watering slightly if weather becomes humid to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor for pests. In heat, afternoon shade may extend bloom period.
Decline/End of Season
Variable depending on climateFlowering slows as temperatures drop or rise significantly. Plant may stretch if grown in heat. Foliage may deteriorate if exposed to frost.
In zones 9-10, reduce watering and allow plant to rest. In cooler zones, remove when first frost arrives or foliage declines. Collect seeds if desired before frost (they may self-seed).
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity and air circulation.
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Spray with strong stream of water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed. Remove affected leaves.
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Remove infected leaves. Avoid wetting foliage. Space plants for good air flow. Apply fungicide if severe.
Uses
Edible Garnish
CulinaryDianthus flowers are edible and can garnish cakes, salads, and desserts. They offer a spicy, clove-like flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdForever Picotee makes an excellent cut flower with a distinctive appearance and pleasant fragrance. The long stem life and continuous blooming make it ideal for frequent harvesting. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftFlowers can be air-dried or pressed for use in crafts, potpourri, and floral arrangements. The picotee pattern remains visible when dried. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystems in gardens. [source]
Traditional Uses
MedicinalDianthus has been used in traditional herbalism for its purported calming and digestive properties, though modern medical 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 stems are fully hydrated for longest vase life (5-8 days). Cut stems at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node. Deadhead regularly (every 2-3 days) to promote continuous blooming throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'dianthus' comes from Greek words meaning 'divine flower' (dios = divine, anthos = flower), reflecting its long history of use in romantic and ceremonial contexts.
- 🌱 The picotee edge pattern (contrasting colored margin on petals) is a naturally occurring trait in carnation and dianthus breeding, highly valued by gardeners for visual appeal.
- 🌱 Forever Picotee is part of the 'Forever' series, a breakthrough in annual dianthus breeding that offers superior heat tolerance and disease resistance compared to older varieties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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