Greetings from the Dianthus family! To thrive in your American garden, we carnations require a location that receives full sun. This means we need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. This abundant light is the primary fuel for our energy production, leading to stronger stems, more vibrant flower colors, and a greater number of blooms. While we can tolerate very light partial shade, especially in regions with intensely hot afternoon sun, insufficient light will cause us to become leggy as we stretch towards the sun, and our flowering will be significantly reduced. Please plant us in a spot where we can bask in the glory of the sun for most of the day.
Our root systems are particular about their living conditions. We demand well-draining soil above all else. Sitting in waterlogged soil will quickly lead to root rot, which is fatal for us. The ideal soil is a fertile, slightly alkaline loam. If your garden soil is heavy clay, you must amend it generously with compost, peat moss, or well-rotted manure to improve drainage. Conversely, if your soil is very sandy, adding organic matter will help it retain necessary moisture and nutrients. We appreciate a soil pH between 6.7 and 7.5. A simple soil test can determine your garden's pH; if it's too acidic, you can sweeten the soil by mixing in a little garden lime when you plant us.
When it comes to water, we prefer a "deep and infrequent" approach. Please water us thoroughly at the base, allowing the moisture to penetrate deep into the root zone. Then, allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. This practice encourages our roots to grow deep and strong, making us more resilient during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering whenever possible, as wet foliage can make us susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. A layer of light mulch, such as shredded bark or straw, around our base (but not touching our stems) is greatly appreciated. It helps conserve soil moisture, keeps our roots cool, and suppresses weeds that would compete with us for resources.
To produce our iconic, fragrant blooms throughout the season, we are moderate feeders. At the time of planting, please mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil. Once we are established and begin to form flower buds, a monthly feeding with a liquid fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer package) will encourage prolific and long-lasting flowering. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, as this will promote excessive leafy growth at the expense of our beautiful flowers.
To keep us blooming, a practice called "deadheading" is essential. As our individual flowers fade and begin to brown, please snip them off just above a set of healthy leaves. This signals to us that we should stop putting energy into seed production and instead redirect it into creating new flower buds. For taller varieties, we may require staking to keep our heavy flower heads upright and prevent our stems from breaking. After our main flowering period has ended, you can cut us back by about one-third to promote a bushier habit and sometimes even a second, smaller flush of blooms. If you wish to have more of us in your garden, we can be easily propagated by division in the spring or by taking cuttings from non-flowering shoots.
