Plant Carnations

Carnations are beautiful flowers that will last up to the frost with minimal care. Read on to learn how to add them to your garden.

Steps

From Seeds

  1. Sow the seeds in early Spring season. For best results, be sure that the soil is not too wet.
  2. Space seeds 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Cover with 1/4 inch (.6 cm) soil
  3. Mist the seeds occasionally to promote moisture. Seeds should germinate in 2-3 weeks.

From Cuttings

  1. Cut stem tips from a healthy carnation plant. Ideally, the tips should have 2-3 leaf nodes. Remove the stem immediately below a leaf node. Cut off the leaves from the bottom half of the stem tips.
  2. Fill a planting container with coarse sand. Moisten it thoroughly. Repeat the same for each stem.
  3. Push the stem tip about 1/3-1/2 of the way into the sand. Cut off any leaves that touch the sand.
  4. Place the container in a spot where it will receive even, indirect sunlight. Use a spray bottle everyday to keep the sand moist.
  5. Use a trowel to loosen the cutting from the sand one month after it grows roots. Move it to a container with potting soil or a sunny garden spot.

By Division

  1. Dig up an old carnation clump.
  2. Separate the plant segments. This can be done using your hands or by using two gardening forks inserted in the center of the plant.
  3. Replant each division. Water well.

Tips

  • Do not over water your plant. With the exception of extremely dry climates, once a week should be enough.
  • Make sure that there is good air circulation around the stems of your carnation plants.
  • Carnations should receive 4-5 hours of sunlight a day
  • For best results, use soil with a pH of approximately 6.75

Warnings

  • Do not mulch your carnation plants.
  • Always be sure to water the plant and take care of it for lovely beautiful flowers.
  • Remember to take off the wild plants grown in between the plants.

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Sources and Citations

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