Greetings, human cultivators. We, the carnations (or *Dianthus caryophyllus*, if you prefer our formal name), are a diverse and vibrant clan. To see us thrive in your American gardens, from the humid Southeast to the arid Southwest, you must understand our core needs. We are not overly demanding, but we are particular. Think of this as our personal manifesto for a long and blooming life in your care.
First and foremost, we crave sunlight. We are sun-worshippers at heart. To produce our richly colored, often fragrant blooms, we require a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Any less, and our stems become weak and spindly, our blooms sparse and disappointing. Our roots are our greatest vulnerability; they despise being wet and cold. Therefore, the single most important thing you can do for us is to provide exceptionally well-draining soil. Heavy, clay-based soils that stay soggy after a rain will lead to root rot, a swift and certain end for us. Amend such soil generously with compost, peat moss, or perlite to create a light, airy, and fertile bed. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH is our preference.
Our watering needs are a lesson in balance. The "soak and dry" method is the golden rule. When you water us, do so deeply at the base, avoiding our foliage and flowers, allowing the moisture to penetrate the root zone. Then, you must let the top inch or two of soil dry out completely before watering again. We can tolerate a bit of drought far better than we can tolerate constantly wet feet. Stick your finger into the soil near our base; if it feels dry an inch down, it is time for a deep drink. Overwatering is an act of kindness that feels like suffocation to our roots.
To fuel our spectacular floral displays from spring until fall, we require consistent nourishment. However, we are not gluttons. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer worked into the soil at planting time will give us a great start. Once we begin to set buds, a monthly feeding with a liquid fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (the middle number on the fertilizer bottle) will encourage larger, more vibrant blooms. But be cautious with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they will push us to produce an abundance of foliage at the expense of our beautiful flowers.
This is perhaps the most interactive part of our care, and it is vital for our continued performance. As our individual blooms begin to fade, wilt, and turn brown, they start to form seed pods. From our perspective, our life's work is complete once we set seed, and we will stop producing new flowers. This is where you come in. By "deadheading"—snipping off the spent flower head just above a set of healthy leaves—you are tricking us. You are telling our plant that the mission is not yet accomplished, and we must redirect our energy into producing more blooms to try again. Regular deadheading will keep us flowering prolifically for months.
In many American climates, we are perennial, though sometimes short-lived. To keep our clumps vigorous, dividing us every two to three years in the early spring or fall is beneficial. Simply dig up the entire plant, gently separate the rooted sections, and replant them. This rejuvenates us and gives you more carnations to enjoy elsewhere. Furthermore, we are susceptible to aphids and spider mites. A strong spray of water or an application of insecticidal soap usually suffices to manage these pests. Good air circulation around our foliage, achieved by not overcrowding us, is the best defense against fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
