Carnations, known for their ruffled petals and clove-like fragrance, are one of the most popular and long-lasting cut flowers in the world. Belonging to the Dianthus genus, these blooms come in a wide range of colours, each symbolizing different sentiments—red for love, white for purity, and pink for a mother’s undying affection. Their elegant, frilly appearance and sturdy stems make them ideal for floral arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres. With a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, carnations have long been associated with admiration, fascination, and distinction. Whether used in celebrations, memorials, or everyday décor, carnations bring a timeless charm and vibrant beauty to any setting.

How To Grow

1. Choose the Right Spot: Carnations love sunlight! Pick a location that gets at least 4–6 hours of direct sun daily. They also prefer well-draining soil—too much water can cause root rot.

2. Prepare the Soil: Work compost or organic matter into the soil to improve drainage and nutrients. A slightly alkaline pH (around 6.7–7.0) is ideal.

3. Planting Seeds or Seedlings: Seeds: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sow them lightly, cover with a thin layer of soil, and keep moist. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost passes.

Seedlings: Space about 6–12 inches apart, depending on the variety.

4. Watering: Water deeply but infrequently. Let the soil dry a bit between waterings. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent disease.

5. Feeding: Fertilize every 6–8 weeks with a balanced flower fertilizer. Don’t overdo it—too much nitrogen can reduce blooming.

6. Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Support tall varieties with stakes to prevent drooping. Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and promote new growth.

7. Pests & Problems: Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent most issues.

How/When To Harvesting

1. Timing is Key Harvest carnations when the blooms are just beginning to open—this is called the “paintbrush stage,” where petals are visible but not fully spread out. This ensures a longer vase life and prevents damage during handling.

2. Use Sharp, Clean Tools Always use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears to avoid crushing the stem or spreading disease.

3. Cut in the Morning The best time to harvest is early in the morning when the plants are well-hydrated and cool.

4. Cut at the Right Spot Snip the stem just above a leaf node or side shoot—this encourages the plant to produce more flowers. Leave at least a few inches of stem on the plant for regrowth.

5. Remove Lower Leaves Strip any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent rotting once placed in a vase.

6. Place in Water Immediately Put the cut flowers into clean, lukewarm water as soon as possible. Let them hydrate in a cool, shaded area before arranging them.