Carnation – Seeds

Size: 1 packet

Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are beautiful and relatively easy-to-care-for flowers, making them a popular choice for gardens and cut flower arrangements.

Carnation – Seeds care

1. Sunlight:

• Carnations need at least four to six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms.
• In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent the petals from fading and the plant from wilting. Morning sun is generally ideal.

2. Soil:

• Well-drained soil is crucial for carnations. They are susceptible to root rot if the soil remains soggy.
• They prefer fertile, slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6.7 and 7.0. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter, gypsum, or lime to improve drainage.
• Avoid excessively rich soil, as it can hinder proper blooming or cause discoloration.

3. Watering:

• Water carnations two to three times a week, or as needed to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
• Yellowing leaves or wilting can be a sign of overwatering.

4. Temperature and Humidity:

• Carnations prefer moderate temperatures, ideally 50-65°F (10-18°C) during the day and 40-50°F (4-10°C) at night.
• They do best in low humidity. Good air circulation around the plants helps prevent issues like powdery mildew.
• In very hot weather, a light misting with cool water can help cool them down, but avoid over-misting.

5. Fertilizing:

• If your soil is nutrient-rich, carnations may not need much additional fertilizer.
• For in-ground plants, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in summer.
• For potted carnations, use a controlled-release fertilizer designed for potted plants.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can burn the plant’s roots.

6. Pruning and Deadheading:

• Deadhead (remove spent or dying blooms) regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent the plant from expending energy on seed production.
• Prune plants about one month after planting, leaving five pairs of leaves on the stem. This encourages a bushier plant with more blooms.
• At the end of summer or early autumn, you can cut the plants back by half to encourage new growth the following spring.

7. Support:

• Taller varieties of carnations may need staking or support to prevent their stems from flopping over due to the weight of the flowers. Grow-through stakes or netting can be effective.

8. Pests and Diseases:

• Carnations are generally not heavily bothered by pests, but keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and slugs/snails.
• Good air circulation and proper watering practices help prevent fungal diseases like root rot, bacterial wilt, and vascular wilt.

9. Planting:

• Carnations can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or divisions.
• Seeds: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed (though outdoor-sown seeds may not bloom the first year).
• Cuttings: Many professional growers use cuttings from terminal flowers.
• Divisions: Divide mature plants every two to three years to maintain health.

10. Carnations in Vases (Cut Flowers):

• Carnations have an excellent vase life.
• When cutting, do so in the early morning after the dew has dried.
• Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and immediately place them in cool water.
• Remove any foliage that would be below the waterline in the vase to prevent bacterial growth.
• Change the water every two days and re-trim the stems.
• Use a commercial flower preservative in the water to extend their life.
• Keep cut carnations in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or cold drafts.