Buzz
The origin of why carnations (dianthus) are called 'Sweet William' in English is lost to history, but this romantic name aptly matches their delightful fragrance and vivid hues. Mature carnation plants can reach heights of 30 cm or more, depending on the variety. Carnations are easy to grow and maintain, though they may need replanting after a year or two, as they rarely live longer. Fortunately, you can collect seeds from the initial plants or allow them to self-seed, ensuring you enjoy these blooms for years to come.
Steps
Planting Carnations
Learn about the blooming period. With numerous carnation varieties and planting methods, you may have encountered conflicting information about their flowering time and longevity. Biennial varieties bloom in their second year and then die. Perennial types typically flower for several years, but perennial carnations often take two years to bloom and may die before their second flowering.
- Proper care for perennial carnations increases their chances of propagation, as described in the 'caring for carnations' section.
Purchase plants if you want blooms within the same year. To ensure your carnations flower in the current year, look for seedlings or mature plants to plant in autumn or spring. Confirm with the seller that the plants will bloom that year before taking them home, as some seedlings may not flower until the second year.
- Annual seeds (which bloom and die within a year) may or may not perform as expected, depending on the variety and how they adapt to the climate.
Decide on the planting time. Carnation seeds are hardy enough to survive winter and can be planted in autumn or late spring, blooming within 12 to 18 months. If the plants have already started growing, or if you're concerned about harsh winter conditions, keep them indoors and transplant them outdoors in early spring. Seedlings aged 6-8 weeks are easier to plant and less prone to damage.
Find a sunny yet cool location. Carnations grow faster in full sunlight but thrive best in cooler climates. Ideally, they should receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but partial shade is recommended in hotter regions (USDA Zone 8 and above).
Check the soil. Carnations prefer loose, fertile, well-draining soil. Water should drain quickly and not pool on compacted ground. You can aerate the soil and add potting mix to enrich it. While testing soil pH isn't mandatory, if you have a garden pH test kit, aim for slightly alkaline soil (around 6.75).
- Garden pH test kits are available at gardening stores and online, though they aren't essential for growing carnations, as these plants adapt well to various soil pH levels.
Sow the seeds. Plant carnation seeds in winter (only in hot climates), spring, or summer (only in cold climates). Place the seeds on the soil surface and cover them with a 0.6 cm layer of soil. Alternatively, dig shallow trenches, place the seeds inside, and cover them. Space seeds about 15 cm apart to reduce the risk of rot and disease spread. If space is limited, you can plant seeds in clusters, but avoid overwatering.
- For seedlings, transfer the root ball into a hole twice its size and fill it with soil. Ensure the soil level matches the original and avoid covering the stem.
Water the plants after planting. Watering immediately after sowing seeds or planting carnation seedlings benefits both seeds and plants, but be cautious not to exceed the soil's drainage capacity. A few days after planting, seedlings need moist but not waterlogged soil. Once the plants have rooted and recovered, care for them as described in the plant care section.
Caring for Carnations
Water lightly. Keep the soil around seedlings slightly moist to somewhat dry. Once mature and no longer growing taller, most carnation varieties don't require watering unless the weather is hot. As with all plants, water regularly if the carnations appear wilted or the soil is cracked.
- Carnations can rot if exposed to excessive moisture, so avoid overwatering. Ensure the soil isn't waterlogged or pooling water.
Fertilize (optional). To encourage faster growth and blooming, use an all-purpose fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer, when the plant buds and flowers). Follow the specific fertilizer instructions carefully to avoid leaf burn or plant damage.
- Diluting the fertilizer to a weaker concentration than recommended on the packaging is often a good idea.
Use pesticides for seedlings. Spray an all-purpose pesticide on seedlings to prevent diseases. Carnations are prone to nematode infections. If you spot tiny nematodes, use a fungicide as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Note: If you plan to consume carnations or feed them to pets, avoid using pesticides on the plants.
Deadhead spent flowers. Carnations typically bloom throughout spring or early summer, with flowers fading under the summer heat. When the blooms on the plant dry out, remove them to encourage new growth and prevent seed dispersal if you want to maintain better control over your garden.
Propagating Carnations
Allow growing plants to self-seed. With proper care and a climate-suited variety, carnations can produce new seedlings for your garden before they wither and die. If you want your garden filled with carnations, simply let the old flowers fade and self-seed.
- Note that some carnations are hybrids of multiple varieties and may produce seeds that grow into plants with different characteristics than the parent plant.
Harvest fresh seeds from the plant. By mid to late summer, the flowers will fade, and brown, dry seed pods will form. Collect the seeds when the pod tips open, ready to disperse. Shake the pods into a container to gather the black, disc-shaped seeds, then plant them in autumn or spring.
Trim dried flower stalks after seeds have fallen. Once the seeds have dispersed or been harvested, cut off the seed pods at the stem. Carnations often expend significant energy to survive another year, but removing the seed pods increases the chances of the plant blooming again.
Take cuttings from mature plants. If you're fortunate enough to have a carnation that lives longer than a year or two, it will grow quite large. In autumn or early spring, before new buds form, cut one of the largest stems near the base using a sharp knife or pruning shears. These cuttings can be planted to grow new plants. You may need to use stakes to keep the cuttings upright.
- Newly planted cuttings need time to root. Keep them in a warm, humid place, away from direct sunlight to prevent drying. You can store the cuttings in a clear plastic bag or container for a few days to maintain the necessary moisture.
Tips
- Carnation flowers are edible, though other parts of the plant can be harmful if consumed. However, avoid eating flowers treated with pesticides, grown near roads, or in public areas.
- Compost or mulch is usually unnecessary for carnations and can retain excessive moisture if overwatered.
Warnings
- Carnations are prone to root rot, so it's better to let the soil dry slightly rather than overwater, unless the plant shows signs of wilting or brown spots.
- Carnation leaves can be toxic, especially to children or pets. If you suspect someone has ingested carnation leaves, contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately.
