Carnations
Growing carnations from seeds is easy. You could buy the seeds or you could save the seeds from a wilted bloom, dry the seeds out, and plant them in seed trays the following spring.
~ How To Grow Carnations From Cuttings ~
Carnations are tall and good for bouquets but tend to be less hardy than other Dianthus. This guide shows you How To Grow Carnations From Cuttings.
Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil, preferably with neutral to alkaline soil pH. Carnations will not tolerate wet soils, especially in winter.
Planting Instructions
- Plant in spring or autumn, spacing plants 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the type.
- Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.
- Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant’s container.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently.
- Water thoroughly.
Aftercare
- Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
- Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.
- Stake tall varieties to keep them upright.
- Remove spent blooms on tall varieties, or cut back mounding plants after bloom to encourage rebloom.
- After the first severe frost, cut stems back to an inch or two above soil line.
- Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.