When to plant Dianthus in Scott County, KS
Dianthus planted in Scott County between March 28 and April 18 matures in 60–80 days — well before the October 15 first frost.
When to Plant Dianthus in Scott County, KS
Top priorities for Scott County, Kansas gardeners in June
Each item below is timed to Scott County, Kansas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start dianthus under lights
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Harvest dianthus as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: dianthus
China pinks (Dianthus chinensis) are a reliable cool-season annual offering fringed blooms with a spicy-sweet clove fragrance. They perform best in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, providing vivid color in beds and borders when summer annuals haven't kicked in yet. In warmer zones they are grown as fall–winter–spring annuals. The compact mounding habit and clean foliage make them excellent edging and container plants.
Scott County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,044 feet, Scott County receives approximately 25.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Dianthus during the growing season.
Scott County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Dianthus Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Scott County
How your county's soil matches Dianthus's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.6) overlaps with Dianthus's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Scott County is excellent for Dianthus — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Dianthus.
How to Plant Dianthus
Succession Planting Dianthus
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
Dianthus Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Dianthus
Dianthus needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Dianthus Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Scott County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Dianthus Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Dianthus Planting Timeline — Scott County, KS
Dianthus Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Bloom | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 29 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Scott County
Growing Tips for Dianthus in Scott County
Direct sow Dianthus outdoors after April 25 in Scott County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost for spring transplants, or direct-sow in early spring as soon as soil can be worked — seeds tolerate light frost. Can also be direct-sown in late summer for fall bloom. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage; poorly drained soil causes crown rot. Deadhead regularly to extend bloom. In zones 8–10, plant as a fall annual for winter– spring color; plants decline in summer heat.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Dianthus in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Dianthus in Scott County, KS?
Scott County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Dianthus planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Scott County, KS?
Scott County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Dianthus in Scott County, KS?
In Scott County, KS, plant Dianthus after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Scott County, KS for Dianthus?
Scott County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Dianthus grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Dianthus grow in Scott County's climate?
Yes — Dianthus grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 15.
Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.