How to Grow Lady Series Picotee
Lady Series Picotee
Dianthus chinensis 'Lady Series Picotee'
flowerLady Series Picotee is a compact, bushy annual or short-lived perennial flower prized for its delicate, fragrant blooms with contrasting colored edges and centers. These charming bicolor flowers typically feature white or light-colored petals with distinct dark pink, red, or purple picotee (scalloped) edges. The dwarf growth habit and long blooming season make it ideal for borders, containers, and bedding displays.
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Example Lady Series Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lady Series 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 Lady Series Picotee blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lady Series Picotee dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best performance in cooler zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge and develop into small seedlings with narrow green leaves
Maintain warm temps (65-75°F), consistent moisture, and bright light. Thin overcrowded seedlings. Avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksCompact, bushy plants develop multiple stems and dense foliage; plant forms a mound shape
Pinch back growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage bushiness. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Ensure good air circulation.
Flowering
4-6 weeksAbundant delicate, carnation-like flowers with picotee edges appear in clusters; continuous bloom production
Deadhead spent blooms regularly to extend flowering. Water consistently; reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage. Apply bloom-promoting fertilizer (lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus).
Peak Bloom
8-12 weeks or until frost/heat stressPlant covered in bicolor flowers; picotee edges are vibrant and well-defined
Continue deadheading daily for maximum blooms. Monitor for pests and fungal issues. Maintain consistent watering; avoid wetting foliage.
Decline/End of Season
Variable; 1-4 weeks depending on climateFlowering slows or stops in extreme heat (above 85°F) or with first frost; foliage may look tired
In mild climates, may rebloom in fall if sheared back; otherwise, pull out and compost. Collect seed heads for next year if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil; encourage beneficial insects
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply fungicide (sulfur or potassium bicarbonate) early; remove infected leaves
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper fungicide if severe
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and
Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth around plants; remove hiding spots
Uses
Edible Garnish & Floral Seasoning
CulinaryFresh Dianthus petals are edible with a mild, slightly spicy/clove-like flavor and can garnish desserts, salads, and cocktails. They add decorative appeal and subtle flavor notes to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CulinaryThe delicate, fragrant bicolor blooms are excellent for fresh floral arrangements, bouquets, and small containers. Their long vase life and continuous bloom habit make them reliable cutting flowers throughout the season. [source]
Fragrance & Garden Perfume
HouseholdDianthus flowers have a classic sweet, spicy clove-like fragrance that perfumes the entire garden area. The scent is particularly strong in cool morning hours and can be dried for potpourri. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the blooming season. Planting Lady Series Picotee supports garden pollinator populations. [source]
Dried Flowers & Pressing
CraftThe delicate petals and vibrant picotee colors preserve well when air-dried or pressed. Dried Dianthus flowers are ideal for crafting, scrapbooking, pressed flower art, and long-lasting decorative displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
Dianthus flowers are best harvested in early morning after dew dries but before heat builds. Cut stems at an angle just above a leaf node. Remove lower foliage below the water line in arrangements. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase when kept in cool water. For seed collection, allow some flowers to fade on the plant; collect seed pods when brown and dry, then store in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dianthus was named by the ancient Greek botanist Theophrastus and the name comes from Greek words meaning 'divine flower'—it was sacred to the Greek gods and used in ceremonial crowns.
- 🌱 The 'picotee' pattern (contrasting colored edges) is caused by selective breeding for genes controlling pigment distribution and gives each variety its distinctive bicolor appearance.
- 🌱 Lady Series varieties were developed for compact growth and continuous blooming, making them dramatically superior to older Dianthus cultivars that tended to become leggy and stop flowering in heat.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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