How to Grow Scarlet Picotee
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Scarlet Picotee
Dianthus chinensis 'Scarlet Picotee'
flowerScarlet Picotee is a striking annual or short-lived perennial flower featuring vibrant scarlet-red petals with distinctive white or pale pink edges, creating a bold picotee (edged) pattern. This compact, bushy plant produces fragrant, ruffled blooms on sturdy stems and is prized for borders, containers, and cut flowers. It blooms prolifically throughout the growing season with minimal deadheading requirements.
When should you plant Scarlet Picotee in your zone?
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Example Scarlet Picotee timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet 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 Scarlet Picotee blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, best results in zones 4-8
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Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with two cotyledons (seed leaves), requiring bright light and consistent moisture.
Maintain soil temperature 65-75°F. Keep under grow lights or in bright window. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Seedling
3-4 weeksSmall plants develop true leaves and establish a root system. Growth is slow initially.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing. Provide bright light (12-14 hours daily under lights). Keep soil evenly moist. Begin gentle air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with multiple stems and a compact mounding form. Leaves are narrow and blue-green.
Harden off transplants by gradually exposing to outdoor conditions. Pinch tips early to encourage branching. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
Flowering
6-10 weeks (through frost in cool climates)Plant produces abundant scarlet-red flowers with distinctive white or pale pink picotee edges. Blooms are ruffled and slightly fragrant.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide consistent moisture and weekly fertilizer high in phosphorus. Remove faded blooms promptly.
Seed Set (Optional)
4-6 weeks after final floweringIf flowers are not deadheaded, seed pods develop and plants may slow flowering production.
Allow a few flowers to remain if collecting seeds. Harvest seed heads when dry and brown but before shattering.
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Increase humidity and air circulation. Rinse foliage with water to dislodge mites.
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Spray with water to knock off insects. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if severe. Remove affected leaves.
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Remove infected leaves immediately. Improve drainage and air circulation. Apply copper fungicide if necessary.
Uses
Edible Flower Garnish
CulinaryScarlet Picotee petals are mildly sweet with a clove-like flavor and make elegant garnishes for desserts, salads, and cocktails. They add visual interest and a delicate spice note to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThis variety is excellent for fresh bouquets, floral arrangements, and decorative displays due to its vibrant color, fragrance, and long vase life. The compact form makes it ideal for small arrangements or mixed bouquets. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting local ecosystem health. Planting Scarlet Picotee helps sustain pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Flower Drying & Pressing
CraftThe petals and flowers dry well and can be used in pressed flower crafts, potpourri, or floral art projects. The distinctive picotee pattern is retained when dried. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalDianthus species have been traditionally used in herbal medicine for their mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, though modern scientific 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 or late evening when petals are turgid. Harvest blooms when fully open or just beginning to open. Strip lower leaves before placing in water. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to maintain continuous flowering throughout the season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Picotee' comes from the French word 'picot,' referring to the small looped edging on lace and ribbon, perfectly describing the flower's distinctive bordered petals.
- 🌱 Scarlet Picotee is a hybrid derived from Chinese Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis), which was introduced to Europe in the 18th century and became the parent of numerous ornamental varieties.
- 🌱 Dianthus flowers have a natural spicy fragrance due to the compound eugenol, the same compound that gives cloves their distinctive scent—making them aromatic as well as visually stunning.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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