Carnations are a flowering perennial plant that grow well is full sun (with a little protection from hot afternoon sun if possible). You can grow them from seed however we recommend growing from cuttings or plugs.
They require a well drained humus rich soil with a neutral ph and are an excellent plant for a raised garden bed or a large pot or container.
Carnation plants are actually fairly hardy and do not require a lot of water, and resent over watering, a good soaking once a week, or twice a week in hot conditions is usually enough.
Fertilize with an all purpose liquid or slow release fertilizer, we use a combination of a seaweed fertilizer and a slow release fertilizer.
When planting avoid mulch as carnations like good air circulation around the stems. Plant about 10cm apart for healthy growth
When pruning back or cutting flowers remove then at a node as close to the base as possible.
For prolonged life in a vase try a little cut flower preservative, available from florists, or use a little household bleach and some sugar and change the water every 3 days.
Snails and slugs can be a problem with new shoots, so try keeping the area around plants clear, spread some wood ash or coffee grounds on the soil or even a little grit, snails and slugs do not like to crawl over these.
Border carnations and perpetual carnations are the two main types of carnations grown, border carnations have the large flowers and are scented and come in a huge range of colors from white through pink to deep red.
Carnation with Red Ruffles
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