I have 3 dianthus plants that are starting to bloom in a large square container, approximately 12"x12"x6". They're getting full sun and I think they'll do best in my partly shaded in-ground garden bed. The problem is that this container is heavy, too heavy for me to sort of maneuver it sideways and pull the plants out. So I have to dig them out. I'm worried about ruining the roots though. What's the best way to do this?

Take as much soil as you can when you dig them out of the container.

You may think that they will do better in a partly shaded garden. I would reconsider. Dianthus love full sun. The more the better. But they do not like the intense heat and blazing sun.

Does full sun mean south Florida full sun though? My zinnias handle it extremely well but dianthus is not as tolerant, is it?

The problem with Florida sun is it's intensity. That far south, in the summer it is almost directly overhead. Like 87 degrees out of 90.
Throw in the bonus that there is almost no pollution. Everything upwind is the Gulf of Mexico. No industry, no big cities, no pollutants in the air. The makes it even harsher.
You can get any more intense then that!

So full sun unless you are in South Florida?

DaisyI said: So full sun unless you are in South Florida?

I think they can handle full sun here in the winter months when the weather is mild and the sun isn't as strong. Probably until april-may. I don't think they'd tolerate the heat and full sun after that.

Hi! Desireesdahlias, I would water them first and transplant them to a partially shaded location. Mine are doing very well in full sun but I know better and will transplant them to the ground also.

Thank you, @Kevalsha. I'll try that.

I found this that may be helpful for you to read:

https://gardeningsolutions.ifa...