Planting Dianthus 'Desmond' and Papaya in Philadelphia

A Philly gardener asked about planting Dianthus 'Desmond' (pot vs. ground, soil amendments) and a papaya tree (pot vs. ground, fruiting).

Dianthus 'Desmond'

• **Fragrant red double blooms** all summer; evergreen foliage.
• **12-inch mound**; space 6–10".
• **Sun, well-drained, gritty soil with lime** (high pH).
• **Pot or ground**—add peat moss/humus + turf lime.
• Zones 3–9 (Philly is 6b/7a—fine).

Papaya

• **Not winter-hardy** in Philly—must be potted and brought inside.
• **Pollination tricky**—often hand-pollinated with brush.
• Consult **local nursery** for indoor tropical care.