The scarlet variety (=D. nudicaule=) is rather more delicate than the others, and it is wise to raise the plants in well-drained seed-pans, and to take care of them through the first winter in a cold frame; indeed, in a heavy soil there is a risk of losing them in any winter which is both cold and wet.  It is not necessary to employ pots, but immediately after flowering take them up and store in peat until the following April, when they can be returned to the open ground.

=D. sulphureum.= The seed takes a very long time to germinate, and severely taxes the patience of the sower.  But otherwise there is no difficulty in raising plants, and the long spikes of beautiful clear sulphur-yellow flowers are well worth the extra time the seedlings need.  The best plan is to sow in autumn in the open ground, cover with a frame, and avoid disturbing the soil, except for weeding, until the next autumn, when the plants should be put into position for flowering in the following summer.

As slugs are exceedingly partial to Delphiniums, the crowns should be examined in spring, and the seed-beds may be dressed with soot and surrounded with ashes to save the seedlings from injury.

The annual Delphiniums are dealt with under Larkspur, page 274.

==Dianthus==

==Pink.  Biennials, hardy and half-hardy==

Many varieties of Dianthus claim attention for their elegant forms and splendour of colouring.  They have been so wonderfully improved by scientific growers that they almost supersede the old garden Pinks, and have the great advantage of coming true from seed. =D.  Heddewigii= (Japan Pink) and its varieties, =D. chinensis= (Indian Pink) and =D. imperialis=, make interesting and sumptuous beds, and may all be flowered the first year from sowings made in heat in January or February.  Immediately the seedlings are through the soil it is important to shift them to a rather lower temperature than is necessary for insuring germination, or the plants become soft and worthless.  Be very sparing with water, especially if the soil is at all retentive.  When two leaves are formed, transfer to pans, allowing about an inch between each plant, and place in a sheltered position.  Gradually introduce to cool treatment, and when ready prick off again, allowing each plant more space.  They will thus have a much better start, when planted out in May, than if taken from the seed-pans direct.  Dianthus make a most attractive display in pots, and a number of seedlings should be potted on for flowering in this manner.

Where there are no facilities for raising Dianthus in heat, it is quite easy to grow plants in an open spot from a sowing in June or July, and they will flower freely in the following year.  Prepare drills about six inches apart and line them with sifted soil; sow thinly, and carefully cover the seed with fine soil.  Shade must be given during germination, but it should be gradually withdrawn when the seedlings