We, the carnation plants, thrive in conditions that mimic our native Mediterranean origins. We demand full sun—at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight daily. This fuels our photosynthesis and encourages the prolific blooming you admire. Well-draining soil is not a preference; it is a necessity for our survival. Our roots are highly susceptible to rot if left in soggy, waterlogged earth. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH (6.7-7.0) is ideal, as it allows us to properly absorb all the necessary nutrients from the soil. Good air circulation around our foliage is also crucial to keep fungal diseases at bay.
You can start us from seed, but for specific cultivars, purchasing young plants from a nursery is often more reliable. The best time to plant us is in the spring after the last frost date has passed. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as our root ball and of the same depth. Gently place us in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing down gently to remove any large air pockets. Immediately after planting, give us a thorough watering to help settle the soil around our roots and reduce transplant shock. Space us approximately 12 inches apart to provide adequate room for growth and air flow.
Water us deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Always aim your water at our base, not our leaves, to prevent moisture-related diseases. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will support our vigorous growth. To encourage continuous blooming and prevent us from expending energy on seed production, you must deadhead spent flowers by pinching them off just above a set of leaves. For taller varieties, we may require staking to keep our stems upright and proud, especially when heavy with blooms.
We are resilient but can face challenges. Our main adversaries are aphids and spider mites, which suck sap from our stems and leaves. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap usually manages these pests. Fungal diseases like rust and leaf spot can occur, primarily due to overhead watering or poor air circulation. Ensuring proper spacing and watering techniques is your best defense. If signs of fungus appear, remove and destroy the affected foliage immediately and consider applying an appropriate fungicide.
