How to Plant Carnations

Last Updated: March 1, 2021 References

Carnations are beautiful flowers that are prized for their large, showy blooms. These flowers will last up to the frost with minimal care. Read on to learn how to add them to your garden.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

From Seeds

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

Method 2 of 4:

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.^{[4]
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2
Fill a planting container with coarse sand. Moisten it thoroughly. Repeat the same for each stem.^{[5]
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3
Push the stem tip about 1/3-1/2 of the way into the sand. Cut off any leaves that touch the sand.^{[6]
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4
Place the container in a spot where it will receive even, indirect sunlight. Use a spray bottle every day 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

By Division

1
Dig up an old carnation clump.^{[7]
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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.^{[8]
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3
Replant each division. Water well.^{[9]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

In Pots

1
Transplant the carnations into large pots that are able to hold several plants. These pots should have drainage holes. Fill them up with fast-draining soil.^{[10]
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2
Dig shallows holes in the pot to accommodate the roots. Usually, you can plant 3 to 5 carnations in a ten-inch pot.^{[11]
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3
Pack the soil around the stems so that the root crown of the carnations remain slightly above the soil.^{[12]
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4
Do not prune the carnations until they have at least 10 pairs of leaves. Then, remove the top six pairs, forcing the carnations to branch out.^{[13]
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5
When watering, avoid getting moisture on the foliage. This can lead to potential fungi problems.
6
Fertilize the carnations once a week with 20-20-20 all-purpose plant food at half strength. Stop fertilizing the carnations during winter.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

I've had healthy plants for over a year, so why don't I see any flowers?

Community Answer

It's my understanding that flowers such as roses and carnations, when grown from cuttings, spend the first year or so developing root systems capable of sustaining the existing greenery while also developing new foliage. They sacrifice blooming during this first crucial stage. But, I have heard that during years two, three, and beyond, new blooms will appear regularly in ever increasing numbers (i.e. the root system is then capable of supplying the energy needed for reproduction).
Question

When can I plant my carnation seedlings outside?

ThisIsMyKingdomCome

Community Answer

You can plant the seedlings once they reach 4 to 5 inches in height and your area is frost-free. Check weather reports to determine there is no risk of frost.
Question

How soon can I move a carnation plant after it has been planted?

ThisIsMyKingdomCome

Community Answer

You can transplant your carnations once they have two or three leaves, so about two to four weeks.

Warnings

Do not mulch your carnation plants.

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Always be sure to water the plant and take care of it for lovely beautiful flowers.

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Remember to take off the wild plants grown in between the plants.

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