growing carnations indoors

Sowing Seed Indoors:

Sow carnation seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost in order to flower the same year.
Sow 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting formula.
Keep the soil moist at 60-70 degrees F.
Seedlings emerge in 14-21 days.

Can carnations be grown indoors?

Carnations (Dianthus spp.) ... Pot carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) grow well in indoor conditions and prefer temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, well-draining potting soil, bright light and good air circulation. The flowers are typically 10 to 12 inches tall, while the heads are about 1 inch in diameter.

Do carnations grow well in pots?

Carnations are also an excellent choice for growth in containers. Carnations in containers can bring much needed color to small landscape plantings, as well as window boxes.

How do you take care of potted carnations?

Watering. Miniature carnations, like their larger cousin carnations, prefer soil to be well drained, not constantly moist. They don't like water on the leaves so it is best to soak the pot in water when the soil is dry to the touch. Don't leave them sitting in a saucer of water as they will easily develop root rot.

Do carnations come back every year?

Carnations are perennial plants and will come back year after year in zones where the flowers are hardy. It can also be grown as an annual.

Are carnations easy to grow?

Carnations are one of the easier flower varieties to care for. Their upkeep is straightforward, and cut stems can last up to several weeks. ... Tall varieties of carnations may need a support that holds up the stem as the plant grows.

How long does it take to grow carnations from seed?

Sow carnation seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost in order to flower the same year. Sow 1/8 inch deep in seed-starting formula. Keep the soil moist at 60-70 degrees F. Seedlings emerge in 14-21 days.

How long does a carnation plant live?

These are short-lived perennials, typically blooming strongly for only three to four years. Plan to divide carnations whenever growth in the middle of a clump starts to die.

How do you keep carnations blooming?

Periodically inspect the plant and deadhead spent blooms by hand. Deadheading will allow the plant to force more energy into other blooming buds and will keep the cycle of new blooms continuous. Keep your carnation plant trim and tidy by pruning back leggy plants.

How do you winterize potted carnations?

Snip off the dead flowers and any dead or damaged foliage with a sharp set of shears in fall prior to the first frost. Remove all the dead and fallen plant matter from the bed so that diseases do not overwinter in it. Lay a 4-inch layer of mulch over the carnation bed after the first hard frost in fall.

How often should I water carnations?

Water your growing carnations once each week, and encourage strong carnation garden plants by fertilizing them with a 20-10-20 fertilizer. Pinch off the flowers as they become spent to encourage additional blooming. At the end of the flowering season, cut your carnation stems to ground level.

How long do mini carnations last?

Carnations can last up to three weeks with the proper care. Keep them out of direct sunlight, and away from cold drafts or heat sources such as fireplaces, woodstoves, or forced-air heat vents. As with many cut flowers, cool room temperatures (55 to 65 degrees) are ideal for longest life.

Do carnations bloom all summer?

Carnations are the most fragrant flowers we grow here at Floret, and they bloom all summer long from an early sowing. Their long stems and extremely long vase life make them an ideal cut flower.

Do carnations spread?

Carnation. ... Because carnations are generally grown for cut flowers, they are usually not allowed to spread. They also produce suckers at the base that can be used to propagate the plant.

Can carnations grow in shade?

When planting carnations (or Dianthus) you should remember that they prefer full sunlight to partial shade. A minimum of 4-6 hours of sun is required for healthy blooms and foliage. The soil should be well drained, fertile and tend toward a slightly alkaline pH level of 6.7-6.9.

Can you take cuttings from carnations?

Carnations are easily propagated through cuttings, which are best taken in summer when the plant is in full growth after flowering, usually late June or early July through about September. ... Ideally, take cuttings on an overcast day from a healthy, 1-year-old plant. Make your cut about a quarter-inch below a node.

Do carnations self seed?

Carnations (Dianthus) produce small, dark seeds. Dianthus means "flower of the gods." Along with having a spicy odor and long-lasting blooms, these attractive plants will self-sow. Drying your garden carnations to collect their seeds allows you to start the seeds indoors or plant them in specific locations.

What grows well with carnations?

Other flowering plants that complement carnations include delphiniums (Delphinium spp.), pimpinella (Pimpinella major), scabiosa (Scabiosa columbaria) and phlox (Phlox spp.).

Do carnations bloom the first year?

There are a few widely used approaches to growing carnations from seed: You can start carnations indoors in seed-starting potting mix and transplant outdoors; sow directly in the ground; or cultivate in containers. Most plants won't produce flowers in their first year, so patience is key.

How do you propagate carnations?

Snip 10cm lengths from the tops of healthy, non-flowering shoots and pinch off all the leaves from the bottom half. ...
Prepare cuttings by trimming with a sharp knife just below the node where a pair of leaves joins the stem. ...
Fill a pot or seed tray with sieved multi-purpose compost.

What do carnations smell like?

Odor profile: A spicy floral scent, with clove-like undertone, bright and vivid.

Where do carnations grow naturally?

The wild carnation is found in the Mediterranean countries of Croatia, Albania, Greece, Italy (including Sicily and Sardinia), and Spain.