Widely sold as cut flowers, Carnations plants are also popular as garden plants, although slightly different varieties are mostly used.
Carnations are a much loved and we think, underrated plant. Carnations make fantastic cut flowers, look great in the garden and are actually fairly easy to grow.
Flowers are generally large 5 – 8 cm and many grow on long stems which make them great for picking as cut flowers.
When we talk about Carnation flowers we usually mean the Border Carnations, these are cultivars of Dianthus caryophyllus and have larger flowers and longer stems than the species.
How To Grow Carnations
You can grow carnations from seeds or from cuttings
Growing Carnations from seed.
- Start carnation seeds off in trays or punnets.
- Use a specialist seed raising mix for best results.
- Sow seeds at around 5mm deep.
- Make sure the soil remains just moist, never wet and soggy.
- Maintain a soil temperature of around 20°C (68°F)
- Mist spray rather than water.
- Seeds should germinate in around 10 – 5 days.
- Once seeds germinate maintain moisture.
- Seedlings are ready to transplant once they are 10cm (4 inches) tall and have at least one set of true leaves.
- Plant out into the garden or a container and water well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
Growing Carnations after transplanting
Maintain good moisture through the growing season, trying to avoid watering the foliage. Allow the soil to dry a little between waterings. The best time to water is early in the morning as this allows tthe foliage to dry and helps prevent fungal problems.
Avoid mulching, again to prevent fungal problems.
- Pinch out the growing tips to promote stronger growth and branching.
- Apply a slow release organic type fertiliser 1 week after planting out.
- Fertilise every 2 -3 weeks with a liquid fertiliser once flower buds appear.
- Pick flowers by cutting stems using sharp secateurs just above a set of healthy leaves.
- Dead head any spent flowers again using secateurs to help promote more blooms.
Dead heading Carnations for more flowers
Prune carnations of spent flowers back to the base.
We Are Asked
Do Carnations come back every year?
Carnations can be perennials, biennials, and annuals, so it depends on the type you are growing.
How Long Do Carnation Plants Take to Root?
Carnation cuttings typically take 2 to 3 weeks to root under ideal conditions (warm, moist, and indirect light).
Are Carnations Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, carnations are toxic to cats and dogs and also to horses and other animals.
When to Plant Carnations?
• Australia: Autumn or early spring (March–May or August–September)
• USA: Early spring after the last frost (March–May, depending on zone)
• UK: Late spring (April–May), after frost danger has passed
Carnations – Cut flower care
Long lasting blooms with a nice fragrance make carnations a favourite in corsages and floral arrangements.
The flowers of these pretty plants will last much longer when cut, if glucose enriched water with a dash of bleach (we use ‘White King’) is used.
Plants are available for sale from the following nurseries
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au