How to Grow Peppermint Picotee
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Peppermint Picotee
Dianthus chinensis 'Peppermint Picotee'
flowerPeppermint Picotee is a charming annual or short-lived perennial dianthus featuring white petals with deep pink or red edges, creating a distinctive picotee (edged) pattern. The flowers are fragrant, double-petaled blooms that appear on compact, bushy plants with fine, grass-like foliage. This variety is ideal for borders, containers, and cottage gardens.
When should you plant Peppermint Picotee in your zone?
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Example Peppermint Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Peppermint 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 Peppermint Picotee blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Peppermint Picotee dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-10; best performance in cooler regions (zones 3-8)
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge; fine, needle-like true leaves develop
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once true leaves appear.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksCompact, bushy growth with fine, grass-like gray-green foliage. Plant develops branching stems.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Water moderately. Begin light fertilizing bi-weekly with balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at branch tips; buds show pink coloring before opening
Continue moderate watering. Increase fertilizing frequency slightly. Remove any damaged foliage.
Flowering
8-14 weeks (spring through frost in cool climates)Double flowers with white petals edged in deep pink or red open; fragrant blooms attract pollinators
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently. Keep foliage dry to prevent fungal issues. Feed every 2 weeks.
Decline/End of Season
Variable depending on climateFlowering slows as temperatures drop or heat stress occurs; foliage may fade
In warm zones (8+), plants may decline in summer heat. Deadhead to prolong blooming. Remove spent plants after frost or when no longer attractive.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
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Spray with water or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Use fungicide if necessary.
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Ensure excellent drainage. Do not overwater. Use well-draining soil mix. Remove affected plants.
Uses
Edible flower garnish
CulinaryThe petals are edible and add a peppery, slightly sweet flavor and colorful visual appeal to salads, desserts, and cocktails. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
CraftPeppermint Picotee's distinctive bicolor blooms are excellent for fresh bouquets, vase arrangements, and floral design work. [source]
Border and container decoration
HouseholdThe compact, bushy growth habit makes it ideal for edging garden beds, decorating pots and window boxes, and cottage garden displays. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe fragrant, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalWhile not as potent as culinary peppermint, dianthus species have historically been used in herbal traditions for flavor and mild medicinal properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Deadhead flowers regularly by pinching off spent blooms just below the calyx to encourage more flowers. For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when stems are turgid; cut stems with 2-3 leaves attached. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase with fresh water and floral preservative.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'picotee' comes from the French 'piqué,' meaning 'pricked' or 'dotted,' referring to the delicate edging on the petals that appears as if hand-painted.
- 🌱 Dianthus chinensis has been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years and remains one of the most beloved ornamental flowers in Asian and European gardens.
- 🌱 Peppermint Picotee flowers are fragrant, emitting a spicy, clove-like scent that intensifies in warm sunlight and attracts a wide range of beneficial pollinators.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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